Ethernet cables are used to connect everything with an Internet connection today. Even wireless devices like tablets and smartphones have to connect to other devices like routers that are themselves run off ethernet. While the world wide web did not start booming until the late 90s, ethernet’s origins can be traced back to the 1970s.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • Ethernet has evolved from early 10 Mbps networks to modern multi-gigabit and high-capacity networking technologies.
  • Ethernet originated as a local-area networking technology and has become a foundation of modern wired networking.
  • Fast Ethernet increased speeds to 100 Mbps.
  • Gigabit Ethernet increased performance to 1 Gbps.
  • 10 Gigabit Ethernet provides 10 Gbps connectivity for higher-bandwidth applications.
  • Modern Ethernet technologies support speeds well beyond 10 Gbps.
  • Cable selection depends on Ethernet speed, distance, bandwidth, environment, and network equipment.
  • Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 are different categories of twisted-pair cabling with different performance characteristics.
  • Fibre Ethernet is useful for many long-distance and high-bandwidth applications.
  • PoE allows compatible Ethernet connections to carry both network data and electrical power.
  • Network upgrades should consider both existing cabling and future bandwidth requirements.


Robert Metcalfe, the engineer who laid the groundwork for the Internet by co-inventing ethernet.


1974: Xerox PARC finishes developing the first ethernet cable, pioneered by Robert Metcalfe.

1975: Xerox files a patent for the ethernet cable. Metcalfe is listed as the inventor along with his colleagues David Boggs, Chuck Thacker, and Butler Lampson.

1976: The first ethernet system is privately deployed. Upgrades to the system eventually result in 10 Mbit/s ethernet, the first cable released to the public market later on.

1976: Metcalfe and Boggs publish the paper “Ethernet: Distributed Packet-Switching for Local Computer Networks”.

1979: Metcalfe leaves Xerox and founds his own company, 3Com. He then convinces Xerox, DEC, and Intel to work together and promote ethernet as a new standard. In the process, Xerox relinquishes their trademark on ethernet.

1980: The first standard of ethernet is released to the public.

1982: An upgraded ethernet called Ethernet II, capable of 10 Mbps, is released.

1983: IEEE 802.3 is published, beginning the standardization of ethernet industry-wide.

1985: IEEE officially adopts ethernet as the new industry standard over ethernet’s competitor Token Ring.

1986: 10Base5 ethernet cables (ethernet made with heavy coax, also known as “thicknet”) are introduced.

1989: The start-up company Kalpana (later bought by Cisco) creates the first ethernet switch.

1991: The T-568 wiring pinout is standardized for commercial buildings.

1991: Cat3 twisted pair ethernet cables are introduced, paving the way for modern ethernet cables.

1991: The first mass-market ethernet printer is introduced, the HP LaserJet IIISi. It cost $5,495 ($10,289.37 adjusted for inflation).

1994: Fiber ethernet is developed and first used in data centers.

1994: T-568A is introduced as the new standardized pinout.

1995: 100 Mbps (“Fast Ethernet”) ethernet is developed, becoming the new standard.

1998: Gigabit (GbE) ethernet is developed and approved as a standard by IEEE, leading to the development of twisted pair (TP) ethernet.

2001: 10 GbE ethernet is developed.

2001: Cat5e cable, and with it the T-568B pinout, is developed.

2002: 10 GbE ethernet is formally approved as a standard by IEEE.

2002: Cat6 cable is developed.

2003: Power Over Ethernet (POE) is developed.

2003: Robert Metcalfe receives the US National Medal of Technology.

2008: Cat6a cable is developed.

2010: 40 GbE ethernet is approved as a new standard.

2015: 100 GbE ethernet is approved as a new standard. This led to the development of new 25 Gbps transceivers.

 

Tips for Choosing Ethernet Technology

 

1. Determine the Required Network Speed

Start by identifying the bandwidth required by the application. Basic office networks may not need the same performance as data centres, high-performance computing environments, or video-production networks.

2. Check the Ethernet Standard

Different Ethernet standards support different speeds, cable types, distances, and transmission technologies. Verify the standard supported by the network equipment before selecting cables or hardware.

3. Choose the Appropriate Cable Category

Copper Ethernet cables are available in categories such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8. Select the cable category according to the required speed, bandwidth, distance, and installation environment.

4. Consider Transmission Distance

Ethernet performance can depend on cable length. For longer connections, verify the maximum supported distance for the specific Ethernet standard and cable type.

5. Consider Fibre for Longer or Higher-Bandwidth Connections

Fiber-optic Ethernet can provide high bandwidth and longer transmission distances than many copper Ethernet connections. It can also provide immunity to electromagnetic interference.

6. Check Connector Compatibility

Most traditional copper Ethernet connections use RJ45-style interfaces, while fiber Ethernet can use connectors such as LC, SC, or other fiber connector types depending on the equipment.

 

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

 

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a family of wired networking technologies used to connect devices over local and other network infrastructures.

When was Ethernet invented?

Ethernet was developed at Xerox PARC in the 1970s. The technology subsequently evolved into standardised Ethernet networking through industry and IEEE standardisation efforts.

Who invented Ethernet?

Ethernet is strongly associated with Robert Metcalfe, who helped develop the technology while working at Xerox PARC, along with other researchers.