Ethernet

A common way of networking PCs to create a LAN.

A network protocol defining a specific implementation of the Physical and Data Link Layers in the OSI model (IEEE 802.3). Ethernet is a local area network, using a bus topology, that provides reliable high-speed communications (maximum of 10 million bits per second) in a limited geographic area (e.g., office complex, university complex).

A baseband protocol invented by the Xerox Corporation in common use as the local area network for UNIX operating systems interconnected by TCP/IP. Runs at 16 megabits per second.

A standard protocol (IEEE 802.3) for a 10-Mb/s baseband local area network (LAN) bus using carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) as the access method, implemented at the Physical Layer in the ISO Open Systems Interconnection--Reference Model, establishing the physical characteristics of a CSMA/CD network. Note 1: Ethernet is a standard for using various transmission media, such as coaxial cables, unshielded twisted pairs, and optical fibers. Note 2: The IEEE-802.3 standard is based on a proprietary product with a similar name.