What is Ethernet?

It utilizes a combination of fiber optic technologies and twisted pair cables to keep computers connected to a LAN. The Ethernet technology has basically replaced other systems, such as FDDI, ARCNET, and token ring, which were prevalent before.

The Ethernet system was actually developed by Xerox PARC. This took place back between 1973 and 1975. Xerox actually filed a patent for an Ethernet system in 1975. The Ethernet (which was experimental at the time) was said to run at 3 million bits per second.

Though current systems are more updated then this, this was a major stepping stone for Ethernet technology.  The success of the Ethernet system owed a big part to its timely standardization. Had it not been standardized as quickly as it was (even though it well deserved it), it might not be in use today. February of 1980 saw IEEE start a project for the standardization of these local area network systems. It was called IEEE 802.

Since then, the rest has been history. Every time you plug an Ethernet cable into your video game console or computer, you are making use of this technology that has revolutionized the way computers communicate. Computers are able to communicate and network faster than ever before, thanks to Ethernet technology, including wireless ethernet adapters. Ethernet cables remain the standard for things like high speed internet, connectivity, and Lan connections.