What is Ethernet? Describe the types of cabling system used for this type.

Definition:

The Ethernet "access method" is used to connect computers in a company or home network as well as to connect a single computer to a cable modem or DSL modem for Internet access.

Ethernet is a physical and data link layer technology for local area networks (LANs). Ethernet was invented by engineer Robert Metcalfe.

It is most popular network architecture. Ethernet is a bus or star bus based technique that uses base band signaling and CSMA/CD (Carrier sense multiple access with collision detection).

v  Sense the medium.

v  If the medium is busy then random wait and go to 1.

v  If the medium is idle then transmit data.

v  Sense the medium again.

v  If collision then go to 1.

1.    10Mbps Ethernet (Slow)

Its speed range is 10Mbps. It is less frequently uses in market.

There are Four types of cabling system used for this type[10Mbps].

v  10 Base 5

Ø  Speed = 10Mbps

Ø  Signaling mode = Base band

Ø  Maximum Segment length = 500 meter

Ø  Cable type = RG-8, RG-11 etc

Ø  Node capacity = 100 nodes per second

Ø  Physical Topology = Bus Topology

Ø  Maximum length of office transceiver cable is 12.5 meters.

Ø  Maximum of 2 repeaters may be used between devices.

v  10 Base 2

Ø  Speed = 10Mbps

Ø  Signaling mode =  Base band

Ø  Maximum Segment length = 185 to 200 meter

Ø  Cable type = Coaxial cable

Ø  Node capacity = 30 nodes per segment

Ø  Physical Topology =  Bus Topology

v  10 Base T (Twisted pair)

Ø  Speed = 10Mbps

Ø  Maximum length = 300 meter

Ø  Signaling mode = Base band

Ø  Cable type = UTP category 3,4 & 5

Ø  Node capacity = 2 nodes per segment

Ø  Physical Topology = Star Topology

v  10 Base FL (Fiber link)

Ø  Speed = 10Mbps

Ø  Signaling mode = Base band

Ø  Maximum segment length = 2000 meter

Ø  Cable type = Fiber optic cable                                 

Ø  Physical Topology = Star Topology

2. 10Mbps or Fast Ethernet:

Speed = 100Mbps

Use = Most frequently used in market

Physical Topology = Star Topology

Cabling system = There are three cabling systems

v  100 Base T4 use  4pair category (3,4&5)UTP or STP

v  10 Base TX use  2pair category 5 UTP or STP

v  10 Base FX use 2pair standard fiber optic cable