Ethernet Basics
Ethernet is a standard connection method used in Local Area Networks (LANs). The ethernet specification has been used to establish the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard. Ethernet is commonly used in small home and office networks. Many of the ethernet connection methods and terms may seem confusing to the uninitiated. However, it doesn't take much time or study to understand them.
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History
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Robert Metcalfe began to develop the ethernet protocol at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) in 1972. The first experimental ethernet network was used to connect Xerox Alto computers together. This interface transmitted signals at 2.94 megabits per second (Mbps.) Ethernet was patented in 1978. The first ethernet standard was published in 1980 at 10 Mbps.
Types
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Ethernet types include 10Base-T, fast ethernet, gigabit ethernet and 10 gigabit ethernet. Earlier ethernet connections were made with coaxial cable. However, coaxial cable caused problems with the speed and reliability of data transmissions. In the late 1980s a company called SynOptics Communications developed a twisted-pair cable that was much more reliable. Ethernet cables and devices use RJ-45 connectors and ports which look similar to the connections used by telephone equipment, but which are considerably larger.
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Features
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Ethernet connections exist in devices, such as network cards, DSL modems, routers and bridges. Fast ethernet functions at 100 Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet transmits at 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). Additionally, 10 Gigabit ethernet can send information at 10 Gbps. Network cards and routers commonly come in fast ethernet and gigabit ethernet speeds. Although high-speed modems, such as DSL modems, are often capable of operating at the fast ethernet speeds of up to 100 Mbps, most DSL connections are less than 10 Mbps.
Benefits
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Wireless ethernet devices offer convenience and ease of installation. Wired ethernet devices, on the other hand, offer greater security than wireless devices. Setting up an ethernet LAN can allow you to quickly and easily share data, printers and scanners between computers on the LAN. A network router and access points allow multiple computers to share a high-speed Internet connection. This reduces the number of devices and services which you must purchase for your home or small office.
Considerations
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When using wireless ethernet devices, it's important to use proper security precautions. Always use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) network security when establishing your router settings when available. This method is much more secure than Wired Equivalency Privacy (WEP) encryption, which is easier for hackers to decrypt.
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