CHAPTER

Practical Ethernet
Implementation
Chapter Objectives
Provide a background on Ethernet
itself and describe its characteristics
Explain the practical implementation of
various Ethernet LANs
10BaseT, 10Base2 and 10Base5
Show sample networking devices and
network connections
Introduce the 100 Mbps Ethernet that is
also known as fast Ethernet
Discuss the various operating systems
for Ethernet networks
Chapter Modules
Background on Ethernet
Ethernet Basic Characteristics
Overview of Implementation
IEEE Implementation of 10BaseT
IEEE Implementation of 10Base2
IEEE Implementation of 10Base5
Fast (100 Mbps) Ethernet Networks
Network Operating Systems for Ethernet
Networks
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
Background on Ethernet
Module Objectives
Describe Ethernet in general
Trace the origin of Ethernet
Discuss the current status and speeds
Ethernet Defined
A highly standardized popular network
architecture
Based on the CSMA/CD transmission
protocol
It is a logical bus network that is
implemented both as a physical star
and a physical bus network
Governed by the IEEE 802.3 standard
Origin
CSMA/CD originated in Univ. of
Hawaii in the 60s
Cabling and signaling schemes were
invented at Xerox
Subsequently standardized by a group
of companies
Xerox, Intel and DEC
Current Status
Highly standardized
Standards set by IEEE 802 committee
IEEE 802.3
Standards exists for different speeds of
Ethernet implementations
Current Speeds
10 Mbps Ethernet
Example: 10BaseT
100 Mbps Ethernet
Example: 100BaseTX
1 Gigabit Ethernet
New and evolving network technology
10 Gigabits Ethernet is currently
emerging
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE

Ethernet Basic Characteristics
Module Objectives
Topology
Cabling
Communication channels
A typical Ethernet frame
Access method and speed
IEEE 802 implementations
Topology
Logical bus
Physical implementation
Either Star or Bus
Each has its own advantage
Cabling
Popular
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) (10baseT)
Different categories for different speeds
Thin coaxial (10base2)
Others
Thick coaxial (10Base5)
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Optical Fiber (10baseFL)
Communication Channels
Network Cable
Single Channel
Baseband Technology
Ethernet Frame
A Typical Ethernet Frame
Format
Preample
Receivers address
Senders address
Frame Type
CRC Trailer
Ethernet II Frame Format used for TCP/IP Communication
Frame Components
Preamble
Start of frame indicator
Destination address
Source address
Type
Network layer protocol identifier
Trailer
CRC Error checking code
Access Method and Speed
IEEE 802.3
10 Mbps
IEEE 802.3u
100 Mbps
Also known as fast Ethernet
IEEE 802.3z
1 Gbps
Also known as gigabit Ethernet
IEEE 802.3ae
10 Gbps
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
Overview of Implementations
Module Objectives
List 10 Mbps IEEE implementations
Discuss 100 Mbps implementations
Show typical star and bus
implementations
10 Mbps IEEE 802.3
Implementations
10BaseT
Twisted pair implementation
10Base2
Thin coaxial implementation
10Base5
Thick coaxial implementation
10BaseFL
Fiber implementation
100 Mbps IEEE 802
Implementations
100BaseTX
Twisted pair implementation
100BaseT4
Uses two pairs of regular Cat 3 wires to transmit
at 100M bps
100VG AnyLAN
Twisted pair implementation with variation to the
100BaseTX implementation
The network of choice at present is
Gigabit Ethernet that is gradually replacing
100BaseTx networks
A Typical Star Ethernet LAN
Configuration

Client

Server Client
NIC NIC NIC NIC
Hub
RJ 45 Connection
Twisted Pair Wire Cat 5e (1000baseT)
A Typical Bus Ethernet LAN
Configuration

Client

Server Client
Thin coaxial
cable (10base2)
T-Connector
Terminator
NIC NIC NIC NIC
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
IEEE Implementation of
10BaseT Star Networks
Module Objectives
10BaseT implementation hardware
Implementation rules
Length limitation and use of repeaters
Implementation in a building
An actual 10BaseT configuration
10BaseT Implementation
Hardware Requirements
10BaseT NIC
Hub
May act as a multi-port repeater
UTP or STP wiring
RJ 45 based
Actual Implementation
Hardware
Hub
Cables
Network
Cards
10BaseT Implementation Rules
Maximum length of a 10BaseT segment
100 meters (328 feet)
Maximum number of computers
supported in the LAN
1024
Length Limitation

Client

Server
Hub
< 328 feet
< 328 feet
Use of Repeaters for Length
Extension

Server
Hub
If the distance is
greater than 328 feet,
a repeater can be used
to extend the distance.
Repeater
Use of Fiber Line Drivers for
Length Extension

Server
Switch If the distance is
greater than 328 feet,
a fiber-optic line driver
can be used
to extend the distance
to several km.
Fiber Driver
Fiber Driver
Implementation in a Building
Hub
Punch Down
Client
Client
Server
Wiring Rack
(Wiring Closet)
Switch
Backbone
UTP
Installation in a Building
Wiring closet is a reserved space in the
building for housing wiring hubs
Wiring rack
Hubs and switches
UTP cables are run to the wall
UTP connection is run from the wall to
the desktop using a patch cable
An Actual Star Ethernet LAN
Configuration
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
IEEE Implementation of
10Base2 Bus Networks
Module Objectives
Briefly outline the hardware needed to
implement a 10Base2 network
Discuss the 10base2 implementation
rules such as those relating to
maximum segment length, minimum
distance between nodes etc.
10Base2 Implementation:
Hardware Requirements
10Base2 NIC
10Base2 cable
Thin coaxial cable
BNC T connectors
BNC terminators
BNC barrel connectors, if necessary
Usage must be kept to a minimum, if not
avoided
Actual Implementation
Hardware
A Simple 10Base2
Implementation
Maximum Segment Length
Minimum Cable Length
10Base2 Implementation Rules
Maximum segment length
185 meters (607 feet)
Minimum cable length
0.5 meters (20 inches)
Maximum number of computers per
segment
30
Length Limitation
> 20 inches
< 607 feet
5-4-3 Segmentation Rule
To build larger networks, segments can be
combined together based on the 5-4-3 rule
5 Segments
A 10Base2 LAN can consists of 5 segments
4 Repeaters
4 repeaters are used to form the 5 segments
3 segments with computers
3 of the segments can have stations attached
A Sample 5-4-3 Implementation
Repeater
Repeater
Repeater
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
Repeater
Extension of the 10Base2 LAN
A combined effect of the 4 repeaters is
to extend the overall length of the
network
Maximum length
3035 feet

Variations to the Rule
In practice, variations to the rule exist
for practicality
Such implementations can therefore be
considered as nonconforming with
IEEE
The implication
Interoperability with other conforming
devices is not guaranteed
The functional features are the
responsibility of the manufacturer of the
nonconforming device
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
Sample Implementations of
10base2
Module Objectives
Implementing 10Base2 using switches
Implementation in a building
Variations in 10Base2 configuration
10Base2 and 10BaseT internetworking
Implementing 10Base2 LANs
Using Switches
Switch
S1
S2
S3
10Base2 Implementation in a
Building
Router
S1
S2
S3
Backbone
Variations in Ethernet Bus LAN
Configuration
10Base2 and 10BaseT
Internetworking
Client
Server
Hub
Client Client
Server
Transceiver
10Base2
10BaseT
AUI
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
IEEE Implementation of 10Base5
Bus Networks
Module Objectives
Give an overview of 10Base5 hardware
Discuss the implementation rules
Present a sample implementation for a
building
Include other relevant notes on 10Base5
implementation
Present an example of 10Base2 and
10Base5 integration
10Base5 Implementation
Hardware Requirements
10Base5 NIC
Transceiver
10Base5 cables
Transceiver cables
A Simple Implementation
Thick Coax (10Base5)
Transceiver Transceiver
Client Server
Vampire Clamp
15-pin AUI
Connector
10Base5 Implementation Rules
Maximum segment length
1,640 feet
Minimum length between connections
8 feet
5-4-3 rule holds for 10Base5 LAN as
well
Maximum length in 5 segments
8,200 feet

Other Notes on 10Base5
Transmission characteristics
Thicknet is better than Thinnet
Used as the Backbone
Workability
Thinnet is better than Thicknet
Used for floor distribution
An Example of 10Base2 and
10Base5 Deployment
Building
Floor
10Base5
Backbone
Transceiver
Repeater
10Base2
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
Fast (100 Mbps) Ethernet LANs
Module Objectives
100 Mbps Ethernet variations
100BaseTX Characteristics
A simple 100BaseTX implementation
Media variations in implementing
100BaseX
100 Mbps Ethernet Variations
100VG-AnyLAN
Introduced by HP
Standardized by IEEE 802.12 group
100BaseTX
Also known as Fast Ethernet
100BaseTX
A very popular implementation at
present
Still based on CSMA/CD
Baseband technology
Implementation is similar to 10BaseT
Requires better UTP cable
Category 5
Media variations are present
A Simple 100BaseTX
Implementation

Client

Server
Hub
Media Based Variations of
100BaseX
100BaseT4
4-pair Category 3, 4 or 5 UTP
100BaseTX
2-pair Category 5 UTP or STP
100BaseFL
2-strand fiber-optic cable
END OF MODULE
N. Ganesan, All rights reserved.
MODULE
Network Operating Systems for
Ethernet Networks
Module Objectives
Microsoft operating systems
Peer-to-peer
Client-server
Unix operating system and variations of
the same
Other operating systems
Microsoft
Peer-to-Peer
Windows Workgroup 3.11
Windows 9x (95, 98 etc.)
Windows NT Workstation
Client-Server
Windows NT Workstation for small LANs
Windows NT Server
Small Business Server
A combination of NT Server, Exchange Server
etc.
UNIX
Many versions of Unix
Examples
SCO Unix
Linux
AIX
etc.
Others
Novel NetWare
Banyan Vines
AppleShare
For apples on an Ethernet network
etc.

END OF MODULE

END OF CHAPTER