Definition of Ethernet.

Ethernet is a local-area network (LAN) architecture developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel in 1976. The Ethernet specification served as the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard , which specifies the physical and lower software layers and general operational characteristics.

Developments in Ethernet technology have given way Fast Ethernet that supports data transfer rates of 100 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet which supports data rates of 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second. There are varying types of wireless Ethernet in development that are allowing for increased mobility.

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