Ethernet
Ethernet is a standard communications protocol embedded in software and hardware devices,
intended for building a local area network (LAN). Ethernet was designed by Bob Metcalfe in
1973, and Ethernet became the standard model for LANs worldwide.
A basic hard-wired LAN consists of the following components:
Two or more computers to be linked together, or networked.
A network interface card in each computer.
Ethernet cable to connect to each computer.
A networking switch or networking hub to direct network traffic.
Networking software.
A NIC is installed in each computer, and is assigned a unique
address. An Ethernet cable runs from each NIC to the central switch
or hub. The switch or hub will act as a relay, receiving and directing
packets of data across the LAN. Thus, Ethernet networking creates a
communications system that allows the sharing of data and resources,
including printers, fax machines and scanners.
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Francisco Zhan
Networking Interface card
Ethernet networks can also be wireless. Rather than using Ethernet cable to connect the
computers, wireless NICs use radio waves for two-way communication with a wireless switch or
hub. Instead of Ethernet ports, wireless NICs, switches and hubs each feature a small antenna.
Alternate technologies to Ethernet include the passé "Token Ring" protocol designed by IBM,
and the far newer asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology. ATM allows devices to be
connected over very wide distances to create WANs (wide area networks) that behave like
LANs. However, for an inexpensive network located in a single building, Ethernet is a wellestablished standard with a solid record.
Consequently, generic use of the term "Ethernet" might refer to IEEE 802.3 or DIX Ethernet
due to past standardisations of network protocols.
For further research on specific details on Ethernet:
http://kb.iu.edu/data/aesi.html
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Francisco Zhan
Sources:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ethernet.htm
http://www.printer-tech.net/wp-content/uploads/lexmark-printer/2/x1100.jpg
http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/1800/EtherCab100-xlarge.jpg
http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/78/Network_card.jpg
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