Ethernet Standardization: Its Importance Now and into the Future

It would be impossible to imagine the business network as we know it today without considering the role of Ethernet technology in its development. Since its inception in 1973, Ethernet technology has progressively transformed computer networking. It has provided easier access for the end user and an ever-increasing array of advanced technologies to benefit the workspace. This notable rise in feature and function could not have been achieved without Ethernet standardization. These increased levels of power and data we enjoy today support a wider range of sophisticated powered devices (PD). More than ever could have been imagined back then. To fully leverage these capabilities, it’s crucial to understand what Ethernet standards are and why they are so essential.

What Is Ethernet?

In a nutshell, Ethernet is a computer networking technology that delivers data over copper (coaxial) or fiber-optic cables. In addition to the cable, the technology requires a protocol, a port, and a computer chip to function. Ethernet is the foundation of a Local Area Network (LAN). It allows all connected devices, such as switches, desktops, PCs, printers, and VoIP phones, to communicate and transfer data. In other words, Ethernet describes how networked devices format and transmit/receive data to/from other devices.

Today, Ethernet can do more, thanks to the development of Power over Ethernet (PoE) in 1997. Using PoE technology, powered devices (PDs), can receive power and data over a single Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A Ethernet cable. These include display screens, surveillance cameras, and/or LED lighting.

How Did Ethernet Develop?

In 2023, Ethernet celebrated its 50th birthday. When it became apparent that computers needed a dedicated way to transmit data over a network in the early 1970s, Ethernet had not yet been imagined. Most experts assumed telephone lines and circuit-switching technology, which were already in use, would fulfill this role.

However, Bob Metcalf, an employee at Xerox, realized that telephone lines, which had since worked impeccably for voice communication, weren’t ideal for data transmission. This revelation led to the development of the first network cable in 1973, which marked the birth of Ethernet technology. While this early version of Ethernet could transfer at speeds up to 10Mb/s, it was far from what we see in Ethernet today.

Another parallel invention invented that decade, the TCP/IP protocol, helped propel Ethernet into prominence. Developed by two scientists at the Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) became the standard protocol for the transport and network layers of the OSI (open systems interconnection) model, which Ethernet relied on to operate.

Finally, when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) published the first 802.3 Ethernet standard, it solved most of the drawbacks of the first cable network. This event marked the beginning of Ethernet standardization as we know it today.

Who Develops Ethernet Standards?

The development of the first official standard was in 1983, Since then, the IEEE has maintained working groups that support the development of Ethernet. This method has allowed the publication of dozens of standards to date while retaining unimpeachable backward compatibility. This aspect creates a safe environment for the seamless adoption of universal standards without risking abrupt obsolescence.

The Ethernet Alliance, the IEEE’s marketing arm, is also at the core of Ethernet development. This membership-based consortium aims to bridge the development and deployment gap. They do so by encouraging end users to adopt Ethernet technology and ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Ethernet Standards

When Ethernet turned 50 years old in 2023, the Alliance released its 2024 Ethernet Roadmap, showcasing Ethernet’s future, including new standards under development that promise higher speeds and a more diverse range of applications.

Ethernet standards define the basic physical and data-link layer specifications for Ethernet technology. The most common IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards are:

• IEEE 802.3 (100Base-T): Supports a bandwidth of up to 10 Mbps and uses three unshielded twisted pair cables with a maximum reach of 100 meters.
• IEEE 802.3u (100Base-TX, 100Base-FX, 100Base-T4): Utilizes category 5, 5e, or 6 UTP cables with a maximum speed of 100 Mbps and a maximum range of 100 meters.
• IEEE 802.3z (1000Base-T, 1000Base-CX, 1000Base-SX, 1000Base-LX): Delivers data at 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) across various distances depending on the type of wiring. For example, the SX and LX use fiber optic cables, with the LX reaching up to 5000 meters.
• IEEE 802.3ae (10GBase-T): Delivers data at up to 10 Gbps speeds over 5e, 6, and 7 UTP cables.

While 10 Gbps speeds might seem high, they may be insufficient for hyperscale data centers that are scaling exponentially to cater to the growing demands of today’s data-hungry applications, such as cloud technology. This need inspired the Ethernet Alliance to create new standards for handling the higher demands of data centers and other large-scale applications. This includes 25GBE, 50GBE, 100GBE, 400GBE, and 800GBE Ethernet.

The 1.6TBE is also on the horizon, with standardization expected soon. These previously unimagined Ethernet speeds will suit the applications of tomorrow, which demand better speeds and lower latency.

Furthermore, the standardization of various PoE standards by IEEE has increased the applications of Ethernet technology in almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. These PoE standards include the 15.4W 802.3af, 30W 802.3at, 60W 802.3bt (Type 3 PoE), and the latest, 100W Type 4 PoE (IEEE 802.3bt).

Why Is Ethernet Standardization Important?

Standardization is critical for any technology’s success and broader adoption, including Ethernet. It would be impossible to imagine Ethernet in its current form without the crucial work of standardization. The impacts of standardization include:

• Allowing interoperability between equipment manufactured by different vendors to benefit the broader industry by encouraging innovation while offering end users a simple way to design and implement the network.
• Providing backward and forward compatibility, ensuring older devices can seamlessly integrate with new and future devices. Compatibility also leaves room for future network scalability without requiring significant changes to existing infrastructure.
• Offering reliability and security, as each standard comes with best practices for implementation and security, reducing network issues and security threats.

While Ethernet standardization has been far from linear since the first IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD standard (and this trend will continue), the practice ensures that Ethernet’s relevance has remained for decades, with applications in different areas.

A Glimpse of the Future of Ethernet

Amid the development and adoption of wireless technology, including the 5G network and the on-the-horizon 6G, one may think that Ethernet’s days are numbered. But make no mistake: this more-than-half-century-old technology is expected to continue dominating the networking world for many decades to come, thanks to its rock-solid applicability in different scenarios compared to wireless networks. Additionally, the glowing adoption and advancement of Ethernet-based technologies, such as PoE, guarantees that the future of Ethernet technology will only continue to grow.

At Versa Technology, we offer various PoE products and solutions that are suited to meet today’s demands while forestalling tomorrow’s needs.