From
its origin more than 25 years ago, Ethernet has evolved to meet the increasing
demands of packet-switched networks. Due to its proven low implementation cost,
its known reliability, and relative simplicity of installation and maintenance,
its popularity has grown to the point that today nearly all traffic on the Internet
originates or ends with an Ethernet connection. Further, as the demand for ever-faster
network speeds has grown, Ethernet has been adapted to handle these higher speeds
and the concomitant surges in volume demand that accompany them.The
One Gigabit Ethernet standard is already being deployed in large numbers in both
corporate and public data networks, and has begun to move Ethernet from the realm
of the local area network out to encompass the metro area network. Meanwhile,
an even faster 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard is nearing completion. This latest
standard is being driven not only by the increase in normal data traffic but also
by the proliferation of new, bandwidth-intensive applications.
The
draft standard for 10 Gigabit Ethernet is significantly different in some respects
from earlier Ethernet standards, primarily in that it will only function over
optical fiber, and only operate in full-duplex mode, meaning that collision detection
protocols are unnecessary. Ethernet can now step up to 10 gigabits per second,
however, it remains Ethernet, including the packet format, and the current capabilities
are easily transferable to the new draft standard.In
addition, 10 Gigabit Ethernet does not obsolete current investments in network
infrastructure. The task force heading the standards effort has taken steps to
ensure that 10 Gigabit Ethernet is interoperable with other networking technologies
such as SONET. The standard enables Ethernet packets to travel across SONET links
with very little inefficiency.Ethernet's
expansion for use in metro area networks can now be expanded yet again onto wide
area networks, both in concert with SONET and also end-to-end Ethernet.
