What is Ethernet/IP?

What is Ethernet/IP?

Ethernet is a foundational technology for wired networking, enabling devices to communicate over a local area network (LAN). Developed in the 1970s by Robert Metcalfe and standardized in the 1980s, it has become the most widely used method for connecting computers, servers, switches, and other devices in homes, offices, and data centers.
Key Features of Ethernet
Physical and Data Link Layers:
Operates at Layer 1 (Physical) and Layer 2 (Data Link) of the OSI model.
Uses MAC addresses to uniquely identify devices on a network.
Frame-Based Communication:
Data is transmitted in structured Ethernet frames, which include source/destination addresses, payload, and error-checking data.
Topologies:
Originally used bus topology (coaxial cables), but modern Ethernet typically uses star topology with switches/hubs.
Speed and Standards:
✔️Supports speeds from 10 Mbps (traditional Ethernet) to 400 Gbps (modern standards).
✔️Common standards:
✳️10BASE-T (10 Mbps over twisted-pair cables).
✳️Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps).
✳️Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps).
✳️10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps).
✳️Terabit Ethernet (emerging standards for 400 Gbps and beyond).
Cabling:
✔️Twisted-Pair (CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7): Most common for short-range connections (e.g., offices).
✔️Fiber Optic: Used for high-speed, long-distance links (e.g., data centers).
✔️Coaxial (Legacy): Rarely used today.
How Ethernet Works
✔️MAC Addressing: Each device has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address for identification.
✔️Switches: Modern networks use switches to direct traffic efficiently, reducing collisions (unlike older hubs).
✔️CSMA/CD: Older Ethernet used Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection to manage data collisions. This is largely obsolete in modern switched networks.
✔️Full-Duplex Communication: Modern Ethernet allows simultaneous two-way communication (devices can send/receive data at the same time).
Applications
✅Home Networks: Connecting PCs, printers, and smart devices via routers/switches.
✅Enterprise Networks: Linking servers, workstations, and storage in offices.
✅Data Centers: High-speed backbone for cloud computing and virtualization.
✅Industrial IoT: Reliable communication in factories and automation systems.
Advantages
✅Reliability: Stable, low-latency connections.
✅Scalability: Supports everything from small LANs to global infrastructures.
✅Speed: Modern standards meet high-bandwidth demands (e.g., 4K video streaming, gaming).
✅Security: Harder to intercept than wireless networks.
Limitations
✅Physical Constraints: Limited cable length (e.g., 100 meters for twisted-pair).
✅Installation Cost: Wiring can be expensive in large setups.
✅Mobility: Devices are tethered to cables (unlike Wi-Fi).
Ethernet’s performance and security ensure its relevance in modern connectivity.

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Source: LinkedIn

Credits: Mr. Alaeddine HAMDI