Ethernet and Fast Ethernet have taken the world by storm. The said technology has emerged as a dominant networking protocol ever since its inception in the 1970s. Among all the current networking protocols, the highest number of installed ports are of Ethernet.
Fast Ethernet, which provides 10 times higher bandwidth is a cost-effective and simple solution for server and backbone connectivity. It comes with fancy and effective features of auto-negotiation and full-duplex operation. All this advancement proves that Ethernet is a scalable technology.
With the promising Gigabit Ethernet standard, the tech world is expecting it to scale further. And we can finally say goodbye to internet connectivity issues. Tag along to figure out all that you need to about this highly effective technology.
Table of Contents
An Intro to Gigabit Ethernet
The base of the Gigabit Ethernet is the Ethernet protocol. But the speed boost is as much as 1000 Mbps or 1 Gigabit a second, which is a tenfold of Fast Ethernet’s speed. This protocol was standardized as a promising dominant player for the server and backbone connectivity of high-speed local area networks. Compare the said speeds with Cox Internet 30 Mbps and look at the difference!
Customers are able to leverage their existing base knowledge of Ethernet to maintain their gigabit networks. This is only possible because Gigabit Ethernet leverages essentially on Ethernet. The new Gigabit Ethernet standards are compatible with all the current Ethernet installations in use today.
It supports half-duplex and full-duplex modes of operation. It also retains the access method as CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/ Collision Detection). The technology can also increase traffic between server farms and clients. It is also used to connect Fast Ethernet switches, servers, and workstations for applications, which require high-bandwidth. For instance CAD and medical imaging.
Protocol Architecture of Gigabit Ethernet
The physical internet underwent several changes to accelerate speeds from Fast Ethernet’s 100- Mbps to a whopping 1 Gbps. But the final aim was that both technologies must look identical to the data link layer upward.
All the challenges of the process have been resolved by merging ANSI X3T11 Fiber Channel and IEEE 802.3 Ethernet. The key components of both these technologies have been used to form Gigabit Ethernet.
Is Gigabit Ethernet for You?
We have already mentioned that this game-changer technology delivers speeds up to 1000 Mbps. So, installing it for your home means having a powerful bandwidth for smooth HD binge-streaming, video-conferencing, and intense gaming sessions without investing in one of the long-range Wi-Fi routers!
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need pricey infrastructure and cables to get the said super-fast speeds. However, the distance from the internet source could be a concern. If you reside at a considerable distance from the internet source, you will probably need good quality cables for strong bandwidth.
Ethernet can operate just fine with CAT5e and CAT6 Ethernet cables.
How Does It Work?
You should know that different Ethernet cables have a varied number of wires within them. To support a bandwidth of 100 Mbps, you will only need an Ethernet cable with almost 8 wires or so. 4 of them are meant to connect to the power source. While the other 4 will deliver internet speeds.
To enjoy the blazing 1000 Mbps speed with your Gigabit Ethernet, you will have to invest in a CAT5e or CAT6 cable. This effective setup ensures that no wire connects to the power source. All the wires will carry the data equally and will deliver fast-speed internet to you.
If you are looking for an effective fix for your internet for entertainment, then this is it. Enjoy blazing download speeds and get rid of multiple wires and devices.
Is it Worth Buying?
Are you tired of lagging internet speeds? Your ISP has disappointed you enough with never delivering the advertised speeds that you signed up for. The distance from the source could be one valid reason for the uneven speeds and signals.
Perhaps you are planning to invest in Wi-Fi Extender 101 to ensure streamlined speeds and signals. But Ethernet is also an effective solution. You will get to have a dedicated connection with uninterrupted speeds to binge-stream in 4K quality, video-conference in crisp HD, and indulge in intense gaming incessantly.
The best part? You will be able to enjoy the same speeds on multiple devices in your house. No matter how heavy the multimedia file is that you are downloading, there will be no impact on the online activities of other users on other devices.
Just make sure you have the latest and updated modems and routers at home to enjoy the promised speeds.
Conclusion
Make sure you check the compatibility of your system before getting onto the Gigabit Ethernet bandwagon. The speeds that the motherboard of your system can handle primarily depend on its construction. It depends on your system’s connection with the chip.
In some cases, the motherboard will handle the 1Gig bandwidth, while in others, it cannot. Make sure that the chip connects to the PCI Express to deliver speeds to the full potential. That way you will able to enjoy 1000 Mbps on your device. But if the chip connects to the PCI bus, chances are the speeds will reduce significantly.
