Why Ethernet Is Still the Top Choice for Large Corporations

Ethernet is a tried-and-true networking technology that has been around for decades and is still the preferred networking technology for large enterprises due to its stability and security.

Even though other networking technologies have come and gone, Ethernet has remained a mainstay. This is because Ethernet provides businesses the stability and security to protect their data, and it is also scalable to handle any size of business and data. Ethernet should be at the top of your list when considering a network infrastructure upgrade.

Since we live and breathe Ethernet connectivity and its maintenance here at BECS, I thought it would be a good time to take a closer look at what Ethernet is, where it stands, and what its future holds as we all move forward in this technology space in developing innovative products for the benefit of us all.

Ethernet: A Brief History

Ethernet is still the number one choice for large corporations. Why? It's stable and secure.

Ethernet has been around for a long time - it was first developed in the 1970s. And since then, it's been refined and improved to the point where it's the most reliable networking technology. It's not susceptible to interference from other devices, like Wi-Fi can be, and it's much harder to hack into than other networking options.

In 1972, Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) developed Ethernet to connect and use the world's first laser printer. Networks were an ad hoc mesh of technologies in the 1960s and 1970s, with little rhyme or reason. Norman Abramson's 1970 article on the ALOHAnet packet radio system inspired Metcalfe. In contrast to ARPANET, it used shared UHF frequencies for network transmissions rather than dedicated links. The first Ethernet nodes were named Michelson and Morley after the scientists discovered the ether's non-existence.

Ethernet was approved as a standard by the IEEE 802.3 committee in 1983; however, it took years to become a widely used standard. The first Ethernet used a 9.5mm coaxial cable, also known as ThickNet or, as we cursed it while installing the wires, Frozen Yellow Snake. Ethernet had reached 10 Mbps by the 1980s and was on its way to becoming very popular. It was up against two other network technologies: token ring and ARCNET. Ethernet was faster and more open than Token Ring or ARCNET in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Low-cost, standard-based products collaborated. 10BaseT, which became an IEEE standard in 1990, allowed for the use of hubs and switches. This liberated Ethernet from its frequently cumbersome bus architecture and provided the flexibility of a star architecture. The introduction of 100 Mbps Ethernet was the final nail in the coffin for Token Ring. [1]

Since then, Ethernet has been commonly used to connect local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN). Protocols allow devices to communicate with one another by using a common language or set of rules.

The Ethernet protocol describes how network devices transmit data in a format that one can recognize, receive, and the process by other devices on the same LAN. An Ethernet cable is the physical, jacketed cabling that transmits data.

Connected devices that connect to a geographically limited network via cable rather than wireless are most likely using Ethernet. Ethernet connections are used by many end users, from businesses to gamers, to reap the benefits of reliability and security.

Ethernet is less susceptible to interruptions than wireless LAN (WLAN) technology. Because one must connect devices via physical cabling, it also provides a higher network security and control level than wireless technology. This makes it difficult for unauthorized devices to access network data or hijack bandwidth.

Pros and Cons of Ethernet

Instead of Wi-Fi signals, Ethernet cables can connect a network of devices to the Internet. Although most people are familiar with Wi-Fi, Ethernet has some distinct advantages over Wi-Fi. If you're setting up a home or business network, consider the advantages and disadvantages of Ethernet before going with Wi-Fi.

Advantage: Increased speed

Ethernet provides significantly faster speeds than Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables can easily reach 10 Gbps, whereas Wi-Fi only provides around 1000 Mbps. Direct contact provides this capability that Ethernet cables make from the router to the computer and vice versa. The speed difference is irrelevant for basic functions such as using word processing programs or checking email. However, Ethernet is the better option if you need to support video-based applications or download and upload large amounts of data.

Constraints: Limited flexibility

Naturally, Ethernet cables are less adaptable than Wi-Fi signals, and they have restrictions on cable length and bend radius. Because of the extra wires, you may need help to set up your desk or workstation exactly how you want. Furthermore, Ethernet is unsuitable if you frequently use smartphones and tablets because it restricts your mobility when connected to your network via Ethernet.

Advantage: Greater dependability

Outside interference can cause frequent and random disconnections or extreme slowdowns on Wi-Fi. Radio waves from nearby devices and physical objects and walls can occasionally interfere with Wi-Fi signals. You can be confident that your network connection will remain stable if the cable is operational and plugged in. Ethernet may be a better option if you live in an area with many neighboring networks or where barriers weaken Wi-Fi.

Constraints: Physical vulnerability

A protective jacket surrounds every Ethernet cable to protect it from hazards that could damage or impair the function of the inner wires. However, if this jacket tears and the wires become exposed, your cables will quickly cease functioning. Temperature fluctuations and liquid spills are general conditions that can harm them. Furthermore, Ethernet cables can be broken simply by applying physical force. Some people would rather not be concerned about these potential hazards. Learn what happens when water enters Ethernet cables or is exposed to extreme heat or cold so you can protect them.

The Future of Ethernet

Ethernet is not going anywhere. Ethernet's future appears to be bright. In the coming decade, it is expected to become the dominant networking technology, and it will continue to evolve to meet the ever-increasing needs of businesses and consumers.??

Faster Ethernet bandwidths are on the way: 100-Gbit Ethernet was standardized in 2010 and 2011, and 400-Gbit and 1-Tbit Ethernet are in the works. Future Carrier Ethernet standards will simplify automated service delivery even further and create more opportunities for Ethernet connectivity commoditization. This will benefit cloud service delivery due to its responsive and elastic characteristics. In other words, rather than a drastic lifestyle change or even early retirement in one's forties, Ethernet is poised to become more widely adopted. [3]

Ethernet is not going anywhere. Ethernet's future appears to be bright. In the coming decade, it is expected to become the dominant networking technology, and it will continue to evolve to meet the ever-increasing needs of businesses and consumers.

Due to the growing demand for higher bandwidth and faster speeds in both enterprises and service providers, Ethernet is here to stay and will only become more prevalent in future years.

Conclusion:

Ethernet is still the choice for large enterprises because of its unparalleled stability and security. Ethernet is a proven technology that has stood the test of time for decades and is faster and more reliable than any other network technology available today, as well as more secure thanks to the use of physical cables.

With Ethernet, you can rest assured that your data is secure and will reach its destination quickly and safely. If you are looking for the best cable testing and measurement tools to maintain the health of your network and best connect your business, visit www.becscorp.com and reach out to us here on #LinkedIn . We would be happy to share our findings with you and offer a demo.