Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of networking technologies and protocols used for wired local area networks (LANs), defining the physical and data link layers of the OSI model. It specifies how data is transmitted over cables, including frame formats, media access control (MAC) addressing, and collision detection mechanisms. Originally developed in the 1970s, it has evolved to support speeds from 10 Mbps to 400 Gbps and beyond, becoming the dominant standard for wired network connectivity.
Developers should learn Ethernet because it underpins most wired network infrastructure in offices, data centers, and homes, enabling reliable and high-speed data transfer for applications like web servers, databases, and cloud services. Understanding Ethernet is crucial for network programming, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and designing systems that rely on stable LAN communications, such as in IoT devices or enterprise software deployments.