ETHERNET

Ethernet is a wired network connection that lets devices like computers, routers, and switches communicate and access the internet. It uses a cable (usually Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a) with an RJ45 connector. Ethernet is fast, reliable, and less affected by interference compared to Wi-Fi.

History

Ethernet is the most common wired network technology used worldwide. It’s found in homes, offices, factories, and large buildings, and it’s likely to remain in use for decades. Ethernet cables, usually Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a with RJ45 connectors, carry data reliably and at high speeds, making them ideal for internet connections, computers, servers, and networking equipment.

Besides internet access, Ethernet is used in CCTV systems, alarm and fire systems, smart home devices, industrial machinery, and other digital communications. Unlike Wi-Fi, Ethernet is less affected by interference, offering stable and secure connections. Its widespread use and versatility make it the backbone of modern networking—second only to electrical wiring in ubiquity.

Ethernet was developed in the 1970s by Robert Metcalfe and his team at Xerox PARC. It was originally based on existing telephone and coaxial cable technology but adapted to carry digital data instead of voice. Over time, Ethernet evolved into the fast, reliable system we use today for networks.

Ethernet isn’t owned by any single company—it’s an open standard used worldwide. It’s everywhere: in homes, offices, factories, and buildings, connecting devices for internet, computers, CCTV, alarms, fire systems, and machinery. Its versatility and reliability have made it the most widely used cable after electrical wiring, and it’s likely to remain essential for decades.

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