Introduction to Ethernet

In this course, a brief history of Ethernet will be given, starting with the development at Xerox in 1973, continuing with the following standardization efforts at IEEE, and evolution of speeds from 10 Mb/s to 100 Mb/s, 1000 Mb/s, and beyond. You will learn how Ethernet is used to connect PLCs and higher-level information systems, including industrial Ethernet and its use at the fieldbus level. We will emphasize the advantages of common networks, unified solutions based on accepted standards, and common diagnostics models.

Further in the course we will explain the need for protocol hierarchy and protocol layering and briefly explain the ISO/OSI Layer Model as a reference architecture for networking systems. We will explain the principle of the CSMA/CD method as the way how medium access at Ethernet is controlled as defined in the IEEE 802.3 standard.