DS001 - Introduction to Ethernet

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a computer networking standard developed in 1973 by the Xerox Corporation. Ethernet became a public international standard in 1980, with its adoption by the IEEE standards body as recommendation IEEE 802.3. The Ethernet standard allows computers of any kind to be interconnected by a common electronic medium, jokingly referred to as the 'Ether', at a data rate of 10 Megabits per second (10Mbps).

International standard

Ethernet is the most widely used networking standard in the world today. Computers manufactured by companies as diverse as Acorn, Apple, IBM and DEC can all be interconnected using Ethernet.

Flexible cabling options

A variety of cabling strategies are available to Ethernet users to suit all network layouts. Whether you want to connect a handful of computers in a classroom to a file server and printer, or to connect all the computers across several sites to a single, powerful network, Ethernet will work for you. Development of Ethernet products by manufacturers from the Far East has driven the costs of ownership down to levels which suit almost every budget.

Supported by Acorn

Ethernet is the networking standard chosen by Acorn Computers to form the core of its AUN networking strategy for the 1990s and beyond. A single Ethernet can be shared by computers from many manufacturers without compromising the normal requirements of low cost and good information security.

Why use Ethernet?

Computer networks allow information to be readily exchanged, and expensive resources such as hard disks and printers to be shared by many users. Ethernet facilitates these kinds of networking at a high data rate but at a low cost per user.

Fast data transfer

Older networks such as Econet, Z-Net and ArcNet operate at lower data rates with resultant lower performance. In fact, the Ethernet data rate is inherently some 40 times faster than, for example, a typical Acorn Econet. With the large files generated and used by modern desktops and 24-bit colour, that speed is needed to keep the network running.

Standard parts, lower costs

The global adoption of Ethernet by the computer industry ensures that a thriving market exists in Ethernet products and supporting hardware. Readily-available connectors and sockets are used to make Ethernet networks, and suitable wiring contractors for installation work can be found as simply as looking in Yellow Pages.

Easier internetworking

Ethernet allows any mixture of different kinds of computers to be interconnected. A single Ethernet network installation can therefore support the variety of machines which are required in reality - not just the computers from a single manufacturer, to which some networks are limited.

Future-proof your investment

It is possible to install network wiring which can support the next generation of networking standards as well as the current Ethernet standard. A little extra investment spent now can 'future-proof' a network to ensure that rewiring is not required for several years. Refer to the ANT DataSheet Introduction to Ethernet wiring for further information.

What software is required?

One of the major attractions of Ethernet is that a variety of software options enable you to build the kind of network you need. Software is divided into server software, which manages the network and central storage devices, and client software, which enables each computer on the system to access these services.

ROMs fitted to each card

Client software is usually supplied in the form of a ROM built into the network interface card. This simplifies the operation of the network because whenever you turn the computer on the network software can be ready and running. Options available include:

AUN Boot ROM (for Level 4 FileServer)
Acorn Access
AngelSoft AppFS
Oak/Network Solutions ClassROM/Share
UNIX NFS Boot ROM

In many cases several of these options can be combined on the same card. See the ANT Datasheet Ethernet Software for further information.

Hard disc server software

The current choices for hard disc server software are:

AUN Level 4 FileServer
Acorn Access
Oak/Network Solutions ClassROM/Share

For further information see the ANT DataSheet Ethernet software.

Wiring choices

Ethernet gives you plenty of choices for wiring your network and physically connecting computers, or connecting separate networks together. You can combine types to suit your requirements and build the customised network which you need.

Small-scale networks

The low-cost entry-level to Ethernet networking is unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wiring, also known as 10Base-T or telephone cabling. This is the cheapest option for local area networks.

Medium scale networks

The traditional Ethernet medium is coaxial cable in either its thick or thin ('Cheapernet') variants, referred to as 10Base-2 and 10Base-5. This provides a solid basis for a medium sized local area network or a larger network with a reasonable level of network traffic. While slightly more expensive to install than 10Base-T this provides a robust solution for almost all networking needs.

Wide area networks

For wide area networks, such as networks linking split sites or several different networks around a campus, ANT can offer several solutions. A fibre-optic link can provide a backbone for a group of networks, or link two sites simply and cost-effectively. Other options for split sites include ISDN links, using advanced modem technology over high-quality phone lines, or ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) links, the cutting edge of networking technology which can link network segments at speeds of up to 155 Mbps (Megabits per second).

Internetworking

Ethernet is good for connectivity to other kinds of computers. Almost all computers can be connected to an Ethernet network. Using ANT's range of connectivity software (such as ANT OmniClient¨) means that you should be able to talk to those computers. For the majority of Acorn users, existing in a mixed computing environment, accessing other systems as a client is increasingly important to transfer and access data.

See the ANT DataSheet OmniClient for details on how you could connect your Acorn computer as a client to UNIX NFS, Microsoft LAN Manager, Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT, and Macintosh AppleTalk.

What ANT can offer

ANT is the leading supplier of Ethernet equipment and expertise to the Acorn community. Whatever your requirements our comprehensive range of interfaces is bound to include the parts you need. For more complex installations we can offer additional equipment such as routers and hubs, as well as our expertise.

We work with accredited Acorn networking dealers in order to ensure that you get the best local support for your networking installation. We offer high-quality technical support and advice to ensure that you get the best from your investment in networking.