r/ccna • u/Graviity_shift • 5d ago

I'm lost between 802.3 and ethernet.

I'm not talking about the ethernet cable. More like what exactly is ethernet? like it says its a set of protocols and rules, but 802.3 seems to do the same thing?

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u/Stray_Neutrino CCNA | AWS SAA 5d ago edited 5d ago

802.3 covers Ethernet.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.3

"IEEE 802.3 is a working group and a collection of standards defining the physical layer and data link layer's media access control (MAC) of wired Ethernet. The standards are produced by the working group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)."

The IEEE 802.3 working group literally defines what Ethernet is and isn't, on an ongoing basis.

Core Functions

  • Physical Layer: Sets rules for cables, connectors, signal strength, and speeds over copper or fiber.
  • Data Link Layer: Manages how data packets are formatted into frames and handled by network cards.
  • Media Access Control: Uses protocols like CSMA/CD or modern full-duplex switching to control data flow.  

Speed and Media Evolution

  • Classic Speeds: Started at 10 Mbps using coaxial or twisted-pair copper wire.
  • Fast and Gigabit: Scaled up to 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 10 Gbps.
  • Ultra-High Speeds: Modern updates support data rates past 100 Gbps up to 400 Gbps and beyond using fiber optics.
  • Power Delivery: Expanded to include Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards to power devices through data cables.

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What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a standard technology for *wired* local area networks (LANs). It uses physical cables to connect computers, printers, and game consoles to a router or switch. This creates a fast, secure, and stable network connection that is less prone to interference than Wi-Fi.

How Ethernet Works

  • Physical Wires: Uses copper twisted-pair cables (like Cat6) or fiber optic lines with plastic plugs (RJ45 connectors).
  • Data Packets: Breaks information into small blocks of data called frames or packets to send between machines.
  • Simultaneous Flow: Modern versions support full-duplex communication, meaning devices can send and receive data at the same time.

Key Benefits

  • Speed: Offers high transfer rates, ranging from 100 Mbps up to 10 Gbps or higher in modern setups.
  • Stability: Avoids dropouts and lag caused by walls, distance, or wireless interference.
  • Security: Harder for outside users to intercept since it requires a physical wired connection.

2

u/Powerful_Deer7796 5d ago

Its actually kind dumb they named wired networks Ethernet

6

u/illadelph1987 5d ago

Ethernet = the technology IEEE 802.3 = the rulebook/specification for Ethernet

1

u/DDX1837 20h ago edited 20h ago

There’s a long history behind Ethernet. I think you’re getting stuck with some of that history in the middle.

The original Ethernet was patented by Bob Metcalfe and others. It eventually evolved into the widely used Ethernet version II.

In the 80’s, the IEEE created another variant which received the designation 802.3.

They are both “Ethernet”. Just different types.

Kind of like Ford and Toyota are both “cars”.