Ethernetvõrgud

Ethernetvõrgud refers to computer networks that use the Ethernet family of wired communication protocols. Developed in the 1970s, Ethernet is the most widely used local area network (LAN) technology today. It defines the physical layer and data link layer of the OSI model, specifying how data is transmitted over a network medium.

The core concept of Ethernet is based on carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD). In simpler terms, devices on an Ethernet network listen to the network medium before transmitting data. If the medium is free, they send their data. If two devices transmit simultaneously, a collision occurs, and both devices detect it, stop transmitting, and wait a random amount of time before attempting to retransmit. While older Ethernet versions relied heavily on this collision detection, modern switched Ethernet networks largely eliminate collisions by using switches that create dedicated connections between devices.

Ethernet networks can be set up using various cabling types, with twisted-pair copper cables (like Cat5e, Cat6) and fiber optic cables being the most common. Devices connect to the network through network interface controllers (NICs) and are typically linked together using hubs or, more commonly today, Ethernet switches. Switches are intelligent devices that direct traffic only to the intended recipient, improving network efficiency and speed.

Ethernet standards have evolved significantly over the years, offering a wide range of speeds from the original 10 Mbps to gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) and even 100 Gbps and beyond. This scalability and its relatively low cost have made Ethernet the dominant networking technology for both home and enterprise environments.