Ethernet Explained

Ethernet – Explained
By John Gibb Platinum Quality Author

Do you use Ethernet? You might think that you don’t, but don’t be so sure. Ethernet is everywhere – if you use a networked computer, whether it’s at home or in your office, you’re using Ethernet.

Ethernet is two things: a kind of cable for connecting computers together, and the method of communication that the computers use over the cables. Essentially, it is the glue that holds LANs (local area networks) together.

The system works by giving each computer on the network a unique address, along with printers, scanners and other shared resources. They can then communicate with each other simply and easily.

Ethernet originally had all sorts of limitations, but these have been gradually worked around as the years went by. Originally, for example, it was impossible for more than one computer to send data at a time – they had to take it in turns to ‘speak’, otherwise all the transmissions would get muddled up. Every computer on the network received everything transmitted by the others, but simply ignored anything that wasn’t labelled with its address. Of course, this didn’t scale to very large networks, as no computer ever got a chance to transmit.

The solutions to this problem are the reasons that Ethernet networks today are laid out the way they are. In order for many computers to use the network at once, lines are split into sectors, with a limited number of computers in each sector. These sectors are then connected together with switches. These switches reduce network congestion by only sending signals further out onto the network if they need to go that far – otherwise, they are simply dropped.

There are many different kinds of Ethernet, each with its own mysterious name – 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and so on. The only real difference between them, however, is the speed – 10BASE-T has a speed of 10 megabits (just over one megabyte) per second, while 1000BASE-T is more commonly known as gigabit Ethernet, because it can transmit a gigabit (125 megabytes) of data over the network every second.

John Gibb is the owner of ethernet resources For more information on ethernet check out http://www.ethernet-intelligence.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Purchasing Ethernet Cables – Wide Options
By Jack M Patterson

You may have heard mention of Ethernet cables, but do you really know what they are? In short, they are the foundation that supports the wireless area network (or LAN).

Ethernet cables are used for connecting two computers together. They are also used for connecting shared peripherals, like a printer or scanner. Routers and switchers keep the network running smoothly, and they are also connected via these cables. This network makes it easy for different computers to share information, as well as use the common resources that they share.

Different types of computer connecting cables have different names. The names are sometimes confusing, but a qualified Ethernet cables supplier will be able to explain the features and virtues of each one.

One type of these connecting cables that some might be familiar with is Category 5. These are used for cable and telephone and deliver high-quality signals. However, Category 5 is now obsolete and Category 5e cable is the cable of choice for computer networks. Category 5e is simply a newer, enhanced version of Category 5 cable.

The details of Ethernet cables are often confusing to people who aren’t particularly tech-savvy. The thought of using something that sounds so technical is intimidating to many who haven’t had much experience with computer networks and the details that go along with them. Fortunately, there are experts who can do most of the necessary installation and repair work for those who really don’t want to dabble in any type of computer-related installation.

For people who do have some technical experience, buying direct online is a great way to save money on cables, connectors, extensions, and converters. If you want to buy Ethernet cables at a discounted price online, visit eBusinessCables.com for some of the best prices on the Internet.

eBusinessCables, Inc. has been supplying the computer world high quality, affordable Ethernet cables since 1998. For more information on the availability and cost of high quality cables online, visit ebusinesscables.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson

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