- Unlike wi-fi (wireless fidelity), an Ethernet needs a cable to transmit chunks of data called "frames." This cable is usually called a category five (Cat5) or category six (Cat6) cable. They are eight to 16 coaxial copper or fiber optic wires that are paired up and twisted together. All of the computers in an Ethernet need to be hooked together by these cables in order to receive packets.
- Computer languages are called protocols. In an Ethernet, these protocols include where frames are coming from, where frames are to be sent and how long a frame should be. It also includes a CRC Checksum, which searches for any changes to the original frame. If the frame is meant for every terminal, fax or printer hooked up to the Ethernet, then the protocol will be delivered in what is called a "broadcast address."
- Packets of information going from one place to another can wind up getting stuck in a jam. No matter where the final destination of a packet is, all of the electronic units wired up to the Ethernet will read it. To keep this information traffic flowing, IT experts tend to insert Ethernet bridges (which look like modems) or routers in between some cables. The bridges and routers act as filters, deciding whether the information should be sent along the cable or not.
