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Application Notes |
What is the difference between Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet?
Industrial Ethernet systems must be more robust than office Ethernet.
This is a product release announcement by Analog Devices Inc.. The issuer is solely responsible for its content.
Ethernet and, specifically, Industrial Ethernet have recently become popular industry terms in the manufacturing world. While similar, they both offer different characteristics and benefits. This article will explore what Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet are and how they differ.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet was first developed in the 1970s, and was later standardized as IEEE 802.3. Ethernet is the group of LAN (local area network) products covered by IEEE 802.3 – a group of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards that define the physical layer and data link layer of a wired Ethernet media access control. These standards also describe the rules for configuring an Ethernet network and how the elements of the network work with one another.
Ethernet allows computers to connect over one network – without it, communication between devices in today’s modern world would not be possible. Ethernet is the global standard for a system of wires and cables to conjoin multiple computers, devices, machine, etc., over an organization’s single network so all the computers can communicate with one another. Ethernet began as a single cable, making it possible for multiple devices to be connected on one network. Now, an Ethernet network can be expanded to new devices as needed. Ethernet is now the most popular and the widely used network technology in the world.
When using Ethernet, streams of data are separated into shorter pieces, or frames – each containing specific information such as the source and destination of the data. Such data is necessary in order for the network to accept and send data as needed.
Other terminology of Ethernet technology includes:
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- “Medium” - In modern Ethernet technology a medium is a twisted pair or fiber optic cabling that Ethernet devices connect to to provide a path for the data to travel on.
- “Segment” - A single shared medium.
- “Node” - Devices that attach to a segment.
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