Ethernet is the most commonly used wired networking standard that allows devices to communicate over a local area network (LAN). It is used in almost every business, home, and organization around the world. Ethernet technology has evolved over the years and various Ethernet standards have been introduced, each with different properties and functions.
In this article, we will explain what Ethernet standards are, the terminology used, and the properties and functions of the most common Ethernet standards.
What are the Ethernet Standards?
An Ethernet standard defines the properties, functions, and implementation of a specific media type. Ethernet standards are defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Ethernet Terminology
Ethernet standards use specific terminology, which includes:
- Transmission speed: The data transmission speed of the media type.
- Type of transmission: The technology or method the media uses to transmit data.
- Length or type of cabling: The length or type of cable that the media uses in implementation.
The name of an Ethernet standard consists of three parts, where the first part specifies the data transmission speed, the second part indicates the technology used, and the third part specifies the type or length of the cable used. For example, the name "100BaseT" indicates that the standard's data transmission speed is 100Mbps, it uses a baseband technology for transmission, and twisted-pair cabling.
Properties and Functions of the Most Common Ethernet Standards
Here are some of the most common Ethernet standards:
10Base2
This standard, also known as ThinNet, uses coaxial cabling and provides a speed of 10Mbps. It supports a maximum length of 200 meters but is not commonly used in modern networks.
10Base5
Also known as ThickNet, this standard also uses coaxial cabling and provides a speed of 10Mbps. It supports a maximum length of 500 meters, but like 10Base2, it is not commonly used in modern networks.
10BaseT
One of the most common Ethernet standards, 10BaseT uses Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables and hubs. Hubs use a physical star topology and a logical bus topology. Although 10BaseT networks are slow and susceptible to collisions, this standard was widely used in the past.
100BaseTX
100BaseTX, also known as Fast Ethernet, transmits data at 100Mbps and requires Cat5 or higher UTP cabling. It uses two of the four-wire pairs: one to transmit data and the other to receive data. This is the most commonly used Ethernet standard in modern networks.
1000BaseT
Also known as Gigabit Ethernet, 1000BaseT uses Cat5 or higher grade UTP cable and supports a speed of 1000Mbps. It uses all four pairs of the cable and a physical star topology with a logical bus.
10GBaseT
This standard, also known as 10 Gigabit Ethernet, uses Cat6 or higher grade UTP cable and supports a speed of 10Gbps. It uses all four pairs of the UTP cable and operates only in full-duplex mode. Due to its high cost, it is normally used in the backbone of a network.
Differences between Various 802.3 Ethernet Standards
Here's a table that compares the most common Ethernet standards and their properties:
here's a table that summarizes the most common Ethernet standards and their properties:
| Standard | Maximum Data Rate | Maximum Distance | Cable Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10BASE-T | 10 Mbps | 100 meters | Cat 3, 4, or 5 UTP |
| 100BASE-TX | 100 Mbps | 100 meters | Cat 5 UTP |
| 1000BASE-T | 1 Gbps | 100 meters | Cat 5e or 6 UTP |
| 10GBASE-T | 10 Gbps | 100 meters | Cat 6a or 7 UTP |
| 1000BASE-LX | 1 Gbps | 10 km | Single-mode fiber |
| 10GBASE-LR | 10 Gbps | 10 km | Single-mode fiber |
| 40GBASE-SR4 | 40 Gbps | 150 meters | Multi-mode fiber |
| 100GBASE-SR4 | 100 Gbps | 100 meters | Multi-mode fiber |
As you can see, the maximum data rate and distance vary greatly between the different standards, as does the type of cable required. This is why it's important to choose the right Ethernet standard for your specific needs, based on factors such as required data rate, distance, and cable type