ethernet 10mbps and 100mbps home networks overview - lan tutorial

Ethernet Networks Overview

Ethernet is the most reliable, fastest, most popular, and oldest type of network around. Additionally, it is one of the least expensive solutions.  The only con to Ethernet networks is cabling.  The history of ethernet is long and complex so I will not try and explain it here.

Ethernet currently comes in two popular speeds, 10Mbps and 100Mbps. Connections are made using special cables with RJ-45 connectors (RJ-45 connectors look like large phone line connectors).  If more than two computers need to be connected, an additional piece of hardware, a HUB or SWITCH, is required.  Ethernet has the lowest latency of all the network types.  Translated: Low latency means super-fast reaction for head to head gamers.

10Mbps ethernet, sometimes called 10baseT is the older slower standard. Most hardware manufacturers have discontinued direct support for 10Mbps ethernet.  Sometimes you can find great deals on 10Mbps ethernet that is being phased out, but the cost of the newer 100Mbps ethernet is so low, I would not suggest bothering with it.

100Mbps Ethernet, also called Fast Ethernet, has become the defacto standard for home networking.  100Mbps ethernet will often be marked as 10/100Mbps ethernet.  This just means that the device will operate at both 10Mbps and 100Mbps.  No other standard network type for the home offers the raw speed of a 100Mbps network.  100 Megabytes of data can be copied between computers in less than 20 seconds (really!) 

The down side to ethernet networks is the cabling.  If your computers are in the same room, cabling is easy.  If they are in different rooms, you will need to drill holes in walls or floors and snake cables around.

Ethernet cables have a cable quality marker that needs to be looked for.  As long as the cable is marked CAT5 or CAT5e it is acceptable for 100Mbps ethernet.  Ethernet CAT5 cables may be run up to 300 feet.

I always suggest purchasing pre-made, sealed ethernet cables.  You should be able to find quality pre-made cables in lengths of 3ft, 9ft, 15ft, 25ft, and 50 ft.  If you shop around, you should be able to find CAT5 sealed 50ft cables for less than $20 US.

If your cables need to be more than 100ft, you will need to buy bulk CAT5 cable, RJ-45 connectors, and special tools to put the RJ-45 connectors on the cables.  Alternatively, you may be able to find a cable distributor in your area willing to make a long cable up for you.  Cable distributors are often used by wiring contractors but are often open to the public. Try looking in they phone book under 'wire and cable'. (or www.bigbook.com)

If only two computers are going to be connected and you do not want to buy a hub, a 'crossover' cable can be used instead of a regular cable.  All the same restrictions apply to crossover cables.

For more than two computers, a hub or a switch is needed.  Ethernet hubs and switches can be purchased for less than $60 on-line.  For more information on Hubs and Switches, see this article.

ethernet 10mbps and 100mbps home networks overview - lan tutorial