What is Ethernet? Main features, Advantages, Disadvantages of Ethernet by Anshul 2023

What is Ethernet? Main features, Advantages, Disadvantages of Ethernet by Anshul 2023

Ethernet

A local area network (LAN) is a data communications network that connects various terminals or computers within a building or limited geographic area. The connection between devices can be wired or wireless. Ethernet, token ring, and wireless LANs using IEEE 802.11 are examples of standard LAN technologies. Ethernet is the most widely used LAN technology, defined under IEEE standard 802.3. The reason behind its widespread utility is that Ethernet is easy to understand, implement, maintain and allows for low-cost network implementation. Furthermore, Ethernet provides flexibility in terms of the allowed topologies. Ethernet typically uses a bus topology. Ethernet operates at two layers of the OSI model, the physical layer and the data link layer. For Ethernet, the protocol data unit is the frame because we mainly deal with DLLs. To handle collisions, the access control mechanism used in Ethernet is CSMA/CD.

Main features of Ethernet

Speed: Ethernet is capable of transmitting data at high speeds, with current Ethernet standards supporting speeds of up to 100 Gbps.

Flexibility: Ethernet is a flexible technology that can be used with a wide variety of devices and operating systems. It can also be easily scaled up to accommodate a growing number of users and devices.

Reliability: Ethernet is a reliable technology that uses error-correction techniques to ensure that data is transmitted accurately and efficiently.

Cost-effectiveness: Ethernet is a cost-effective technology that is widely available and easy to implement. It is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal ongoing support.

Interoperability: Ethernet is an interoperable technology that allows devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other seamlessly.

Security: Ethernet includes built-in security features, including encryption and authentication, to protect data from unauthorized access.

Manageability: Ethernet networks are easily managed, with various tools available to help network administrators monitor and control network traffic.

Compatibility: Ethernet is compatible with a wide range of other networking technologies, making it easy to integrate with other systems and devices.

Scalability: Ethernet is highly scalable, meaning it can easily incorporate new devices, users, and applications without compromising performance or reliability.

Availability: Ethernet is a widely available technology that can be used in almost any setting, from homes and small offices to large data centers and enterprise-level networks.

Simplicity: Ethernet is a simple technology that is easy to understand and use. It does not require special knowledge or expertise to install and configure, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Scalability: Ethernet is highly scalable, meaning it can easily incorporate new devices, users, and applications without compromising performance or reliability.

Ease of Troubleshooting: Ethernet networks are easy to troubleshoot and diagnose due to a range of built-in diagnostic and monitoring tools. This makes it easier for network administrators to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

Support for Multimedia: Ethernet supports multimedia applications such as video and audio streaming, making it ideal for use in settings where multimedia content is an important part of the user experience.

Advantages of ethernet

• Building an Ethernet network doesn't have to be very expensive. It is relatively inexpensive compared to other systems of connecting computers.
• Ethernet network provides high security for data as it uses firewall in terms of data security.
• Also, gigabit networks allow users to transmit data at speeds of 1-100Gbps.
• The quality of data transfer is maintained in this network.
• Administration and maintenance are easy in this network.
• The latest versions of Gigabit Ethernet and Wireless Ethernet have the ability to transmit data at speeds of 1-100Gbps.

Disadvantages of Ethernet

• It requires deterministic service; Hence, it is not considered best for real-time applications.
• A wired Ethernet network restricts you in terms of distances, and is best for use over short distances.
• If you build a wired Ethernet network that requires cables, hubs, switches, routers, they increase the cost of installation.
• In interactive applications requiring quick transfer of data, the data itself is very small.
• In Ethernet network, no acknowledgment is sent by the receiver after accepting the packet.
• If you are planning to set up a wireless Ethernet network, it can be difficult if you have no experience in the networking field.
• Compared to wired Ethernet networks, wireless networks are no more secure.
• Full-duplex data communication mode is not supported by version 100Base-T4.