The history of networking technology is fascinating, spanning decades and encompassing several advances and issues. Here is a brief assessment of some of the major milestones in the development of computer networks:
The earliest computer networks, such as ARPANET, the precursor of the Internet, were designed and built in the 1960s. These networks employed packet switching, a technique for splitting data into small units and transmitting them to their destination across many channels.
In the 1970s, Xerox introduced Ethernet, which is now the most widely used LAN technology today. Ethernet connects several network devices using a shared medium and a contention-based access method.
During the 1980s, PC-based LANs and client/server systems grew, while mainframe computing declined. The TCP/IP protocol suite, originally built for ARPANET, became the Internet communication standard. Also included was the Domain Name System (DNS), which connects human-readable names to IP addresses.
The World Wide Web, which provided a user-friendly interface for accessing information and services online, made the Internet more widely available to the general population in the 1990s. Email, e-commerce, online gaming, and social networking are some of the new uses and services enabled by the Internet. The development of technologies like fibre optics, wireless, and broadband significantly boosted network speed and capacity.
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Who invented the Internet?
Many scientists and engineers worked on the development of the Internet for decades. Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn, on the other hand, are largely acknowledged as the creators of the Internet communication protocols that we use today.
In 1974, they released a research paper proposing the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), the backbone of the Internet protocol suite. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, they collaborated with other scholars and organisations to establish and launch the first network of networks, the Internet.
How does Ethernet work?
Ethernet is a technology that allows devices to interact and share data across a local area network (LAN) via wires or wireless signals.
Ethernet works by breaking information into smaller units called frames, which contain the device’s source and destination addresses as well as error-checking data.
Ethernet protocols are also used to govern data transfer via a variety of media, including twisted pairs, fibre optics, and radio waves.
Ethernet is one of the most widely used networking technologies, with speeds and capacities ranging from 10 Mbit/s to 400 Gbit/s.
Who designed Ethernet?
Ethernet is a technology that allows devices to interact and share data across a local area network (LAN) via wires or wireless signals. Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs of Xerox PARC created Ethernet in 1973, drawing inspiration from the radio-based ALOHAnet system. They published a paper on Ethernet in 1976 and applied for a patent in 1975.
Ethernet became an open standard in 1980 and an IEEE industry standard in 1985. Ethernet is currently the most widely used LAN technology, offering a wide range of speeds and capacities.
What is the difference between Ethernet and WiFi?
Ethernet differs from Wi-Fi in that it sends data over actual lines, whereas Wi-Fi uses wireless signals. Ethernet can deliver faster, more reliable, and more secure connections than Wi-Fi, but it requires more infrastructure and reduces mobility. Wi-Fi is more handy for portable devices, although it is prone to interference and delays.
Some of the factors that affect the performance of Ethernet and Wi-Fi include:
The kind and quality of the wired or wireless device.
Speed and capacity of network adapters and routers Distance and obstructions between devices – Network traffic and device count; – Interference caused by other wireless networks or devices.
How can I build an Ethernet connection?
To make an Ethernet connection, you’ll need an Ethernet cable and an Ethernet-compatible router or modem. Here are the necessary measures to take.
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the router or modem’s “LAN” or “Ethernet” port.
Connect: Connect the other end of the Ethernet wire to your computer’s port, which looks like a square with several connected boxes.
Ensure that your computer recognises the Ethernet connection. On Windows, go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Ethernet. On a Mac, open the Apple menu and select System Preferences > Network > Ethernet.
If you see “Connected” or “Using DHCP” on your screen, it means your Ethernet connection is operational. If not, you may need to check your network settings or contact your service provider for assistance.
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What is DHCP?
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a network protocol that assigns IP addresses and other network parameters to devices that connect to it.
DHCP simplifies network management and configuration by eliminating the need for static IP addresses or manual settings. DHCP is a client-server protocol in which a DHCP server provides and leases IP addresses and configuration information to DHCP clients who request it.
What are some typical Ethernet standards?
Below are some common Ethernet standards:
10BASE-T: This is the original Ethernet standard, with twisted pair connections and a speed of 10 Mbit/s. It has a cable length limit of 100 metres and uses an RJ-45 connector.
100BASE-TX: The fast Ethernet standard uses two pairs of twisted-pair cables to attain a speed of 100 Mbit/s. It has a cable length limit of 100 metres and uses an RJ-45 connector.
1000BASE-T: The gigabit Ethernet standard uses four pairs of twisted pair wires and has a maximum speed of 1000 Mbit/s. It has a cable length limit of 100 metres and uses an RJ-45 connector.
10GBASE-T: The 10 gigabit Ethernet standard uses four pairs of twisted pair connections and offers a throughput of 10 Gbit/s. It has a cable length limit of 100 metres and uses an RJ-45 connector.
1000BASE-X: The gigabit Ethernet standard uses fibre optic lines and has a maximum speed of 1000 Mbit/s. It has a maximum cable length of ten kilometres and takes SC or LC connections.
10GBASE-SR: The 10 gigabit Ethernet standard uses multimode fibre 10GBASE-LR: optic connections and has a speed of 10 Gbit/s. It has a maximum cable length of 400 metres and takes SC or LC connections.
10GBASE-LR: The 10 gigabit Ethernet standard uses single-mode fibre optic connections with a speed of 10 Gbit/s. It has a maximum cable length of ten kilometres (802.11) and takes SC or LC connections.
802.11: This is the wireless Ethernet standard that uses radio waves and supports a wide range of speeds and frequencies. It has a maximum range of 100 metres and has Wi-Fi Alliance certification.
