Ethernet Fundamentals

Click each topic to understand how devices communicate in a LAN


+ What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a LAN technology used to connect devices within a local network. It defines how data is formatted, transmitted, and received between devices.

+ Why is Ethernet Important?

Ethernet provides reliable, fast, and standardized communication between computers, switches, routers, and servers.

+ What is an Ethernet Frame?

An Ethernet frame is a Layer 2 data packet containing source MAC, destination MAC, payload, and error-checking data.

+ What is a MAC Address?

A MAC address is a unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to a network interface card (NIC).

+ Unicast, Broadcast & Multicast
  • Unicast: One-to-one communication
  • Broadcast: One-to-all communication
  • Multicast: One-to-many communication
+ What is CSMA/CD?

CSMA/CD is a collision-detection method used in older Ethernet networks with hubs.

+ Half Duplex vs Full Duplex
  • Half Duplex: Send OR receive
  • Full Duplex: Send AND receive