What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is both the data link and physical layer. It operates at a high speed of 10 to 100 Mbps. It operates based on carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD), and therefore is highly efficient until the system becomes heavily loaded. Therefore, Ethernet is an indeterminist system. Refer to Chapter 4 for details.
Ethernet is the IEEE 802.3 series standard, based on the CSMA/CD access method that provides two or more stations to share a common cabling system. This access method, Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection, is the basis for Ethernet systems which range from speeds of 1 Mb/s through 1000 Mb/s. The design goals for Ethernet were to create a simply defined topology that made efficient use of shared resources, was easy to reconfigure and maintain, provided compatibility across many manufacturers and systems, while keeping the cost low.
