About Ethernet Frames

Ethernet technology is based on the idea of computers communicating with one another over a shared network. For the layered communication in computer network protocol, ethernet is the backbone. An ethernet network works by broadcasting signals in the form of action and protocol information by using a common signal address. Several different ethernet frame types are used to broadcast information using individual packets of data. Ethernet stations communicate with the individual computers and other ethernet stations in order to create a shared network of information. In some ways, the ethernet frames communicate similarly to the way radio broadcasts function.

History

Research on ethernet framing systems began in 1972 at Xerox. The first version that was developed, referred to as Ethernet Version 1, was released just 8 years later by the DIX consortium, which was comprised of Xerox, Intel and DEC. Robert Metcalfe, David Boggs, Chuck Thacker and Butler Lampson were the inventors credited with the invention of Version 1. In 1980, the same year the first version was released, research began on a newer version of ethernet frame. The new frame, Version II Ethernet, was released in 1982. The following year, Novell NetWare '86 was released, which was based on the specifications used in Version 1. In 1985, Novell's final version, the 802.3 was released. This version had been modified for compatibility. A final ethernet frame was developed shortly after Novell's propriety that was created to address the compatibility issues between Version 2 and 802.3.

Types

There are four main ethernet frame format types currently available for commercial use. While the digital signal coding for an ethernet network is always the same, the ethernet frames are substantially different from one another. Each frame type has a different measure of Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU)--the value of the communication packet it has the ability to send--but each can coexist on the same physical ethernet network. The four main frame types are IEEE 802.3 or Version 1, Ethernet Version II, IEEE 802.2 LLC Frame and IEEE 802.2 Snap Frame. The most popular and most often used ethernet frame is Version II, also referred to as the DIX frame. Version 1 has all but fallen to the wayside since the launch of Version II. The IEEE 802.3 from Novell is a non-standard variation of the original version from DIX and IEEE 802.2 was created to help compatibility flaws between Version II and 802.3. It important to note that different companies, like Cisco and Novell, have different names for each frame type.

Significance

Ethernet changed the face of computer technology and the speed at which business and personal information is exchanged. Just 30 years ago it was impossible for diversified companies with offices on both coasts to share information instantaneously over a shared network, but ethernet allows for reliable access to this information. In our technology revolution and the current rate at which new technologies are conceived, it is a significant feat that the original ethernet has changed very little since its inception almost 30 years ago. While the ethernet frame types have made some advancements, like the switch from a coaxial cable to point-to-point links, the basic model of an ethernet frame on a physical level has changed very little.

Benefits

Because ethernet frames are a versatile technology they are very popular for linking network systems. The perceived benefits are that most information in a network system begins and ends inside an ethernet frame. These end-to-end frame types have unique destination sources and addresses, which gives a certain sense of security to ethernet customers. The four framing types are compatible with all types of protocol packets and can thus work with any networking system. Another benefit of ethernet and ethernet framing types are that additional networking features can be added to the system as easily as any IP network system.

Potential

Since the first ethernet frame type was developed in 1980, the advancements in ethernet have grown exponentially. Instead of being a separate piece of technology, ethernet has become a part of the standard computer. Because of the necessity of ethernet today, most companies have switched from building separate ethernet cards that attach externally to a computer. Computers are now built with ethernet technology directly into the motherboard. Ethernet will only continue to get faster. Gigabit Ethernet will soon be replaced by Terabit Ethernet, which will increase the speed of ethernet technology by 100 times what it is today and hardware designers have already developed testing models that can transmit these new, much faster, signals.

Resources

• More on Ethernet Frame Types
• A Brief History of Ethernet

Photo Credit

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/routers/ps9343/solution_overview_c22-449961_ps9343_Product_Solution_Overview.html

[BDPrather]

on 1/14/2009 The article was very informative and accurate. The only weakness I noticed was due to grammar and syntac. A sentence would flow to a point and then the writer would address a specific type of protocol, process, purpose, or use and once that information was disseminated, the sentence seemed to start all over again and gave it the sense of dis-jointedness. Kudos on technical aspects but one must take the time to really read over the material or have someone else whom you trust to review it and give criticisms or comments. Editors are faced with this all the time and they do their best to inform the writers without making it seem like a personal attack. The voice the writer tries to project should be consistent with the source material and therefore keeping it in gutteral terms, "tight". I would very much like to assist this and other writers in their growth as writers and storytellers. Ple