Ethernet

Ethernet

·         Shah (2013: 2) states that the term Ethernet refers to the family of local- area network (LAN). A local-area network (LAN) protocol developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel in 1976. Ethernet uses a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates of 10/100/1000 Mbps. Ethernet defines the lower two layers of the OSI Reference Model. Ethernet network operates logically as a bus but is organised by the devices connecting to a hub in a physical star. (Type of networks topology 2007).

·         Shah (2013: 3) The Ethernet specification served as the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Ethernet uses the CSMA/CD access method to handle simultaneous demands. Ethernet, like other local area networks, falls in a middle ground between long-distance, low-speed networks that carry data for hundreds or thousands of kilometres, and specialized, very high speed interconnections that are generally limited to tens of meters.

·         Evidence given by the System Software 1 Lecturer, Mr TP Govendor (2015, pers. comm. 07 August) A host broadcasts a message to all hosts on the same network segment. There is no order that hosts must follow to transmit data. Messages are sent on a First In, First Out (FIFO). Ethernet is based on this topology