Ethernet

A network architecture and set of standards defined by the IEEE as the 802.3 specification. Ethernet is the standard way that computers get on the Internet and communicate with each other today. Ethernet has evolved over the years from bulky systems that only ran at 10 Mbps (megabits per second) to small fast systems that run at over 1 Gigabit (1000 Mbps). The most common cable used with Ethernet is the Cat5 patch cable, which uses the RJ-45 modular connector, but fiber optic cables can also be used.