Ethernet speed is not a single value but refers to the maximum data transfer rate supported by different generations and standards of Ethernet technology. These speeds have increased significantly over time to meet the demands of modern networks.
Ethernet Speeds by Standard
Based on the IEEE standards, the speed of Ethernet varies greatly depending on the specific technology being used. The provided reference highlights several key standards and their corresponding data rates:
| Name | IEEE Standard | Data Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 802.3 | 10 Mbps |
| Fast Ethernet/ 100Base-T | 802.3u | 100 Mbps |
| Gigabit Ethernet/ GigE | 802.3z | 1000 Mbps |
| 10 Gigabit Ethernet | IEEE 802.3ae | 10 Gbps |
Understanding Different Ethernet Speeds
Let's look at the various speeds in more detail as outlined in the reference:
- Ethernet (10 Mbps): This is the original Ethernet standard, defined by IEEE 802.3, offering a data rate of 10 Megabits per second (Mbps).
- Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps): The next major step was Fast Ethernet, specified by IEEE 802.3u (also known as 100Base-T). It increased the speed tenfold to 100 Mbps.
- Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps): Defined by IEEE 802.3z, Gigabit Ethernet (often called GigE) provides a significant jump to 1000 Mbps, which is equivalent to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps).
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps): Representing another order of magnitude increase, 10 Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ae) delivers speeds of 10 Gbps.
These different speeds cater to various networking needs, from home networks and small businesses to large enterprises and data centers requiring high bandwidth.
