Ethernet physical layers

The IEEE 802.3 standard defines several Ethernet physical layer specifications, each catering to different networking environments and media types.

Copper Cable Physical Layers

1. 10BASE-T
   • Speed: 10 Mbps
   • Media: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
   • Max Distance: 100 meters
2. 100BASE-TX
   • Speed: 100 Mbps
   • Media: Two pairs of Category 5 UTP or Type 1 shielded twisted pair
   • Max Distance: 100 meters
3. 1000BASE-T
   • Speed: 1 Gbps
   • Media: Four pairs of Category 5e or higher UTP
   • Max Distance: 100 meters
4. 10GBASE-T
   • Speed: 10 Gbps
   • Media: Six pairs of Category 6a or higher UTP
   • Max Distance: 100 meters
5. 100BASE-T4
   • Speed: 100 Mbps
   • Media: Four pairs of Category 3 UTP
   • Max Distance: 100 meters

Fiber Optic Physical Layers

1. 10BASE-FL
   • Speed: 10 Mbps
   • Media: Fiber optic
   • Max Distance: 2000 meters
2. 100BASE-FX
   • Speed: 100 Mbps
   • Media: Multimode fiber
   • Max Distance: 400 meters
3. 1000BASE-SX
   • Speed: 1 Gbps
   • Media: Multimode fiber
   • Max Distance: 550 meters
4. 1000BASE-LX
   • Speed: 1 Gbps
   • Media: Single-mode fiber
   • Max Distance: 5 kilometers
5. 10GBASE-SR
   • Speed: 10 Gbps
   • Media: Multimode fiber
   • Max Distance: 300 meters
6. 10GBASE-LR
   • Speed: 10 Gbps
   • Media: Single-mode fiber
   • Max Distance: 10 kilometers
7. 10GBASE-ER
   • Speed: 10 Gbps
   • Media: Single-mode fiber
   • Max Distance: 40 kilometers

Other Media Types

1. 10BASE2 (Cheapernet)
   • Speed: 10 Mbps
   • Media: Thin coaxial cable
   • Max Distance: 185 meters
2. 10BASE5 (Thicknet)
   • Speed: 10 Mbps
   • Media: Thick coaxial cable
   • Max Distance: 500 meters

Single-pair Ethernet (SPE)

Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a streamlined Ethernet technology designed to meet the growing demand for efficient, cost-effective, and compact networking solutions in industrial and automotive applications. Unlike traditional Ethernet, which uses two or four pairs of wires, SPE requires only a single pair, enabling smaller, lighter, and more flexible cabling.

Single-Pair Cabling

• SPE operates over a single twisted pair of wires, reducing cable bulk and weight.
• This simplicity makes it ideal for space-constrained environments and retrofitting in existing installations.

Ethernet Compatibility

• SPE retains full compatibility with the Ethernet protocol stack, including TCP/IP, ensuring seamless integration with existing Ethernet networks and software.

SPE is defined as part of the IEEE 802.3 standard:

• 10BASE-T1L: Designed for long distances in industrial and building automation (10 Mbps over up to 1000 meters).
• 100BASE-T1: Focused on automotive and short-distance industrial applications (100 Mbps over up to 15 meters).
• 1000BASE-T1: Supports gigabit speeds for automotive and other high-speed use cases.