Ethernet

Ethernet is a family of networking technologies for local area networks (LANs), defining the physical and data link layers of the OSI model. It specifies standards for cabling, signaling, and frame formats to enable devices to communicate over wired connections. Originally developed in the 1970s, it has evolved to support speeds from 10 Mbps to 400 Gbps and beyond.

Also known as: IEEE 802.3, LAN technology, Wired Ethernet, Ethernet networking, Eth

Why learn Ethernet?

Developers should learn Ethernet when working on network programming, embedded systems, or infrastructure projects that require reliable wired connectivity. It's essential for understanding how data is transmitted in LANs, debugging network issues, and designing systems that rely on stable, high-speed connections, such as data centers, industrial automation, or IoT deployments.

Learning Resources

• docs: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group
• tutorial: Ethernet Tutorial - Standards, Pinouts, and Frame Formats
• book: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (Book)
• video: Ethernet Basics on YouTube