Difference between LAN and EthernetLAN and Ethernet are closely related terms with each other, where Ethernet is the main technology that makes the LAN concept feasible. The main distinction between LAN and Ethernet is that LAN networks work in a centralized manner, whereas Ethernet does not work in a centralized manner. Ethernet is a protocol that facilitates networking and communication among nodes in multiple networks in different contexts (LAN, MAN, WAN, etc.). In this article, you will learn about the difference between LAN and Ethernet. But before discussing the differences, you must know about LAN and Ethernet with their advantages and disadvantages. What is LAN?LAN is an abbreviation for "Local Area Network". It is a form of the data transmission network that links systems or devices relatively close to one another. The connection is made via network media, and these networks are thought to be faster and more dependable than wide-area networks. A LAN network may be viewed in a constrained physical space such as a laboratory, an office, or a college campus. The primary function of a LAN is to exchange data and share the resources. LAN protocols operate at the physical and data-link layers of the OSI model. LAN could be considered a combination of software and hardware. Hardware system contains transmission media, stations, and connecting devices, such as wires, etc. LAN software is divided into two main categories: networking operating systems and application programs. A LAN network is often owned by the entity that uses it, and it is most effective over short distances and at high bit-per-second rates. LAN has three fundamental physical topologies: ring, bus, and star. As a result, it doesn't offer privacy. However, LAN enables direct interaction of stations utilizing a basic physical medium on a point-to-point basis without the requirement for any intermediate switching nodes. An access sublayer is typically required in LANs to mediate access to the shared medium. It is also controlled, utilized, and run by a single entity. These LAN networks are distinguished by three characteristics: network size, transmission technology, and topology. It is also categorized as a wired or wireless LAN. Initially, the LAN provided speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps with minimal latency and mistakes. A Network Interface Card (NIC) is needed for a LAN network to link a device directly to the network. Advantages and Disadvantages of LANThere are various advantages and disadvantages of LAN. Some main advantages and disadvantages of LAN are as follows: Advantages
Disadvantages
What is Ethernet?Ethernet is the technology that is commonly utilized in local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), and wide area networks (WAN). It was designed and developed by Xerox PARC in 1970. It was originally commercially released in 1980 and was first standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 in 1983. It is simple to learn, use, and handle. It is a low-cost implementation technique. It typically employs the Bus Topology, but it also utilizes other topologies. It is a component of the Physical and Data Layers of the OSI model. Ethernet communication systems split data streams into packets known as frames. Frames contain data about the source and destination addresses and mechanisms for detecting data errors and retransmission requests. Types of EthernetEthernet may be classified into three categories. These are as follows: 1. Fast Ethernet It has a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps, and it communicates through twisted pair cable or fibre optic cable. Fast Ethernet has three types, including 100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX, and 100BASE-T4. 2. Gigabit Ethernet It has a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbps. Twisted pair cable or fibre optic cable is also used in gigabit Ethernet. In Gigabit Ethernet, 48 bits are utilized for addressing. Nowadays, it is quite a popular technique. The modern Gigabit Ethernet is a 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which has a data transfer rate of 10 Gbps. It was created to suit the needs of users, such as faster communication networks, quicker data transfer, etc. 3. Switched Ethernet Switch Ethernet needs a switch or a hub. Additionally, this Ethernet utilizes a standard network cable instead of a twisted pair cable. Data is transferred from one device to another via fibre optic network switches without affecting any other networked devices. IEEE 802.3 Popular VersionsThere are various popular versions of IEEE 802.3 protocols. These are as follows: 1. IEEE 802.3 It was the original standard given for the 10BASE-5. It utilized a thick single coaxial wire that may be tapped by drilling into the cable to the core. In this case, the maximum throughput is 10 Mbps, BASE stands for baseband transmission, and 5 refers to a maximum segment length of 500m. 2. IEEE 802.3a It offers the standard for thin coax (10BASE-2), which is a thinner variant in which the BNC connectors connect the coaxial cable segments. In this case, the number 2 refers to the highest segment length of about 200m. 3. IEEE 802.3b It offers the standard for the twisted pair (10BASET) standard, which utilizes the unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper wires as the physical layer medium. 4. IEEE 802.3j It evolved in the Ethernet over Fiber (10BASE-F) standard, which uses fibre optic cables as the medium of communication. Advantages and Disadvantages of EthernetThere are various advantages and disadvantages of Ethernet. Some main advantages and disadvantages of Ethernet are as follows: Advantages
Disadvantages
Key Differences between LAN and EthernetThere are various key differences between LAN and Ethernet. Some main differences between LAN and Ethernet are as follows:
Head-to-head comparison between LAN and EthernetHere, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between LAN and Ethernet. The main differences between LAN and Ethernet are as follows:
ConclusionThe primary distinction between LAN and Ethernet is that a LAN is a computer system network that is geographically constrained. In contrast, Ethernet is a widely used LAN standard for connecting computer systems within a single physical location.
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