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History of Ethernet networking

OSA-Ethernet-networking-history

In our modern, tech-driven world, Ethernet is critical to local area networking (LAN).

In most commercial buildings, schools and universities, hospitals and government offices, you will find Ethernet networking behind the walls, under the floors and in the ceilings.

Millions of users around the country require access to networks, and the market for the technology that supports them continues to grow.

As Australia’s leading independently owned distributor of world class network solutions, we know how essential Ethernet is to all industry sectors and today we take a look at its history.

OSA-Ethernet-origins

Ethernet origins

The origins of Ethernet date back to the early 1970s, with researchers at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC).

Robert Metcalfe was tasked with finding a solution to a networking issue. The PARC team needed their Xerox Alto workstation to connect with the first laser printer – the Scanned Laser Output Terminal (SLOT).

In a memo, Metcalfe described an Ethernet network system that would interconnect advanced computer workstations and enable data transfer between computers and to the newly developed laser printers.

Metcalfe based his Ethernet concept on a project that he had previously studied. The Aloha Network was a University of Hawaii project in 1968 that attempted to connect remote workstations located around the islands to a central computer in the university’s main Oahu campus.

The Aloha project focused on utilising radio as the data transmission channel, but experienced significant issues as traffic increased on the system.

With Ethernet, Metcalfe realised he could significantly improve this system by including groundbreaking new features that allowed more efficient use of a network channel.

A hand using a Retro computer

New invention

The new system included key elements that enabled effective data transfer. These were carrier sense, multiple access and collision detect, which became known as the CSMA/CD protocol. Metcalfe also developed a highly advanced algorithm that when combined with the CSMA/CD protocol enabled the early Ethernet system to function extremely efficiently – up to 100% load.

During its experimental phase, the Ethernet was trialled by connecting Altos to one another, to servers and to the SLOT. The data transmission rate was calculated at 2.94Mbps by using the Alto’s system clock to determine the signal clock. When compared to speeds achieved today this sounds abysmal, but at the time it was revolutionary.

In 1976, Metcalfe and his assistant, David Boggs, published their landmark paper ‘Ethernet: Distributed Packet Switching for Local Computer Networks’ in the Communications of the Association for Computing Machinery journal. And in 1977, their patent was published as a ‘Multipoint Data Communication System with Collision Detection’.

Ethernet standards

Initially owned solely by Xerox, the evolution of Ethernet required collaboration. Xerox partnered with two other tech organisations – Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation – and together they published the first 10Mbps Ethernet specification in 1980.

This was titled the DIX Ethernet Standard – based on the first initial of each company.

At the same time, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) arranged for their Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (LAN/MAN) Standards Committee to also produce an industry-recognised standard.

The committee formed a subcommittee focused on Ethernet and their standards were given the numerical reference 802.3. They ratified the DIX Ethernet Standard in 1983 and the first IEEE standard was officially published in 1985, with many versions to follow.

OSA-ethernet-networking-today

Korenix, Teltonika and Zyxel

Today, there are many globally renowned vendors producing cutting-edge ethernet components, and we are proud to supply Australian customers with these leading brands.

OSA is the sole Australian distributor for Korenix Technology, an innovative manufacturer of industrial networking products. Korenix Technology’s high-quality wired and wireless networking solutions deliver reliable industrial networks for a range of vertical markets. Their industrial Ethernet switches and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology deliver efficient video sequence data to control centres for analysis either in real time or after an event occurs.

Teltonika is a rapidly growing technology company, manufacturing professional network connectivity equipment. They offer a wide range of products including vehicle tracking, networking and portable trackers, dedicated to professional applications. They are at the forefront of innovation and are constantly upgrading existing products and launching new ones to meet the expectations of our customers.

For over 20 years, Zyxel Network Solutions have been perfecting their leading-edge technologies in networking, wireless, cybersecurity and SD-WAN cloud-based solutions. Not only are their solutions innovative and unified, but they are also comprehensive, giving businesses the peace of mind of having a complete suite of network solutions.

To find out more about our complete range of networking solutions, please contact the team at OSA today.

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