Ethernet is a common LAN technology used for local communication from "summary" of Data Communications and Networking by Behrouz A. Forouzan
Ethernet is a widely used LAN technology that enables local communication within an organization or a small geographic area. It provides a means for devices within the network to communicate with each other, share resources, and access the internet. One of the key features of Ethernet is its simplicity and ease of deployment. It uses a bus topology, where all devices are connected to a single communication line. This makes it easy to add new devices to the network without disrupting existing connections. Ethernet operates at the Data Link layer of the OSI model and uses a protocol known as CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) to manage access to the communication line. When a device wants to transmit data, it first listens to the line to check if it is clear. If multiple devices try to transmit data simultaneously, a collision may occur. To handle collisions, Ethernet uses a mechanism called collision detection, which allows devices to detect when a collision has occurred and retransmit their data after a random backoff period. This ensures that data is transmitted efficiently and without errors. Ethernet supports various data rates, ranging from 10 Mbps (Ethernet) to 10 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), allowing organizations to choose the speed that best suits their needs. It also supports different types of cables, such as twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic, providing flexibility in network design and implementation.- Ethernet is a versatile and reliable LAN technology that has stood the test of time. Its simplicity, scalability, and robustness make it a popular choice for organizations looking to establish a local network for communication and resource sharing.
