What Is Ethernet?
These days, Wi-Fi has become the go-to option for internet connection, thanks to its wide availability in homes and public areas. However, even with its popularity and affordability, ethernet technology remains a steadfast choice for linking devices to the internet reliably.
Now, what exactly is ethernet, and is there a significant difference in performance when compared to wireless connections? In this article, we will explore the core of ethernet technology and delve into its advantages. By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of what ethernet entails and how it facilitates seamless internet connectivity.
Ethernet, introduced in the 1970s by Robert Metcalfe and his team at Xerox PARC, is a standardized method of linking computers and other devices within a local area network (LAN). Over the years, it has emerged as the dominant LAN technology worldwide.
Ethernet stands as the predominant means of connecting devices to a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). It involves establishing a physical connection to the internet. This direct connection between devices and the online realm is accomplished through the utilization of ethernet cables, specifically Cat5 and Cat6 types. These cables facilitate the connection of devices to routers or ethernet networks, enabling a secure and reliable internet connection.
Types of Ethernet
There are three main types of ethernet standards used today:
- Fast ethernet — This type offers high speeds of up to 100 Mbps (megabits per second) when transmitting data. To operate this type of internet in-home or business environments, you’ll typically need a Cat5 twisted pair cable.
- Gigabit ethernet — This type was developed to meet the need for faster communication networks for applications such as multimedia since it offers 10 Gbps (gigabits per second). As such, it’s beginning to phase out its predecessor since it provides better streaming support. You’ll need a Cat5e cable that’s enhanced to reduce interference, to operate this type of ethernet.
- 10-gigabit ethernet — 10-GigE is the fastest and most recent ethernet standard based entirely on optic cable network connections, though it works with Cat6a and Cat7 twisted-pair cables. It’s new and not yet as widespread as previous types, but it has great potential to supersede its predecessors.
Depending on your modem or router, you can set your ethernet connection to use the power over ethernet (POE) protocol. This allows electrical current to run to networking hardware through ethernet cables, eliminating the need for an extra AC power cord at the adapter’s location.
How Does Ethernet Work?
Ethernet works by using a protocol called Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD). This protocol ensures that only one device can transmit data on the network at any given time, which helps to prevent collisions and ensure that data is transmitted reliably.
When a device wants to transmit data, it first listens to the network to make sure that no other devices are currently transmitting data. If the network is idle, the device can start transmitting its data. If another device starts transmitting data at the same time, a collision occurs, and both devices stop transmitting. They then wait for a random period of time before trying again.
Ethernet also uses a system called Media Access Control (MAC) addresses to identify devices on the network. Each device on the network has a unique MAC address, which is used to route data to the correct destination.
What is an Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet uses a physical cable to transmit data between devices. This cable is typically a twisted pair of copper wires, but other types of cables, such as fiber optic cables, can also be used. Ethernet cables are connected to devices using Ethernet ports, which are found on most computers, routers, and switches.
Ethernet cables often called network cables, tether your devices, like desktops, to your modem, router, or network switch, granting it access to the internet (usually via LAN). Hardwiring your internet connection makes it faster and more consistent than wireless connections like Wi-Fi.
More importantly, whether you’re using ethernet for fun or business, wired connections minimize latency and usually provide faster loading time. On top of everything, almost all commercially available hardware, except smartphones and smaller mobile devices, comes equipped with an ethernet port. Depending on what kind of ethernet you opt for, you might require different types of ethernet cables.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethernet
Ethernet has many benefits for the end-user, which is why it’s still among the most popular network technologies, despite the rise and popularity of wireless networks and Wi-Fi connections. However, it’s also important to acknowledge some of the drawbacks of Ethernet technology.
Advantages of Ethernet
- Relatively low cost — Internet access over Wi-Fi costs exactly the same as with wired networks — the service price stays the same. However, high-quality Wi-Fi routers usually cost way more than ethernet cables. It’s important to acknowledge that the costs scale with the network size.
- Backward compatibility — This type of network retained much backward compatibility despite the continuous refinement of ethernet technology to support higher bit-rates, a greater number of nodes, and longer distances.
- Generally resistant to noise — Provided that they’re installed properly, ethernet cables are rather resistant to noise. However, exceptions exist, and running these cables parallel with energy lines can cause interference, but only if the distance between the two is less than two inches.
- Good data transfer quality — Since ethernet transmits data over cable, any type of interference in data transmission is significantly reduced.
- Speed — Ethernet generally offers better speeds than wireless networks.
- Reliability — Ethernet networks are rarely susceptible to interference and almost impervious to signal loss unless there’s a hardware malfunction.
Disadvantages
- Intended for smaller, short-distance computer networks — Despite their reliability, ethernet cables have certain limitations when it comes to the cable length – they become less reliable when longer than 328ft. However, this can be circumvented by using ethernet extenders.
- Limited mobility — The hardwired physical connection of ethernet doesn’t allow much mobility. If your cable is disconnected from your device, you’ll lose all connectivity.
- Use of longer cables creates crosstalk — Crosstalk is an effect caused by unintentional and undesired signal transmission from one cable to another. However, as we previously mentioned, using ethernet extenders circumvents this issue, as extenders typically filter out crosstalk.
- Speeds decrease with increased traffic — In smaller local networks, the speed tends to drop with increased traffic.
- Doesn’t work well with real-time or interactive applications — Ethernet, defined as IEEE 802.3, is non-deterministic, which makes it unsuitable for hard real-time applications.
- Receivers don’t acknowledge the reception of data packets — Ethernet devices communicate via data packets, but the receivers don’t recognize their reception in any way.
Ethernet vs Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi has allowed for greater mobility, brought the internet to places cables couldn’t reach, and reduced the number of necessary cables. However, ethernet is still the king of the hill when it comes to speed and reliability.
Wi-Fi radio waves might be incredibly fast, but transferring data over an ethernet cable is almost instantaneous, especially if you’re using a fiber-optic connection. Loss of speed over distance is practically non-existent with ethernet. On the other hand, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi has a range of approx. 150 ft. indoor, when unobstructed by walls.
We highly recommend researching the best method for your specific need and for a better understanding of Pros vs Cons when making this choice and best practices.
Commercially available Ethernet cables offer nearly consistent speeds up to 328 ft. of length, after which data transmission rate begins to decline. However, you can easily extend that range by purchasing an ethernet extender.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
In conclusion, what is Ethernet? Ethernet is a crucial technology that facilitates device connectivity over a local area network (LAN). It relies on physical cables and the CSMA/CD protocol to ensure reliable data transmission. Ethernet plays a significant role in enabling communication between devices and finds applications in various domains, from home networks to industrial automation systems. As our interconnected world continues to expand, Ethernet remains a fundamental technology that facilitates seamless communication and connectivity.
Regardless of the advancements in Wi-Fi connections, Ethernet continues to be the preferred method for internet connectivity, be it for businesses, streaming content, or personal entertainment. It offers faster, more dependable, and secure access to the internet.
Contact our team to understand the benefit of leveraging any of our Ethernet Extender or PoE Extender Technologies. Our equipment leverages high throughput telecom signals over any existing or new wire – including coax, telephone wiring, Cat rated twisted pair, etc. Enabling distances unheard of in the industry.
