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Difference between Ethernet and SDH
A network contains several groups of devices that communicate with one another through links. Devices are represented as hosts that are connected through switches, routers, hubs, modems, and access points with transmission mediums for communication purposes. Communication protocol specifies set of rules for exchanging data over a suitable network. Each protocol differs in its communication properties and can be connection−oriented or connection−less with a circuit or packet−switching techniques. Most of the common protocols used in networking are IEEE 802, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, SDH, ATM, Routing, etc.
Here Ethernet and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) are types of communication protocols used in LAN and WAN environments. Both differ in design, functionalities and implementation in communication methods.
Ethernet
Ethernet protocol is used in local area networks and wide area networks, as the range supported is shorter, where the computer gets connected to a network through a wired connection. Ethernet ports act as an interface, in terms of Ethernet cables, to connect computers, switches, modems, and other network devices to a local area network. So multiple devices can be connected to communicate within a single LAN connection.
Devices that communicate over Ethernet, divide the data stream into frames where each of the frames contains the sender and receiver address. Error checking is also done for each frame that is transmitted over the network. Internet Protocol is carried over the Ethernet protocol as it contains several units of technologies used for communication systems.
Features
It is a layered protocol for communication within devices where data is transmitted as packets.
It is less expensive and adaptable, as it supports multiple protocols for data transmission.
Gigabit Ethernet has been developed for providing faster data transfer rate and communication compared with Fast Ethernet, an earlier version of Gigabit.
Gigabit uses twisted pair cables, fiber optic cables, CAT5e, and also supports advanced cable in recent years
It offers reliable encryption with AES−256 algorithm.
Ethernet uses multi−Protocol label switching which is a connection−oriented protocol, for its reliable data packet transmission.
It provides bandwidth of up to 10GB for better performance and transmission.
It supports various types of networks and upgradation is quite simpler.
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)
SDH is used for communicating data in Wide area networks and it uses LAN connection to integrate different networks. It was developed by International Telecommunication Union with multiplex technology to transfer data at a faster rate. It allows a low−bit data stream to combine with a high−bit stream synchronously. It is used commonly in broadband integrated services, Ethernet aggregations, SAN signals, and other signals used for communication purposes.
Features
It covers long distances and is best suited for wider geographical area connections.
It has a central unit to control and manage the network traffic, transmission rates, and other network operations.
It can handle huge amounts of data with high speed and suits enterprises or large−scale industries.
It employs simple multiplexing and demultiplexing methods for combing low−bit to high−bit rates.
SDH functions in Synchronous Transfer Mode which is a connectionless approach; here bandwidth is shared among other data streams.
Basis of difference |
Ethernet |
SDH |
|---|---|---|
Communication type |
Multiple devices can be connected within a single LAN for communication |
It is a synchronous protocol used in Wide Area networks. |
Invention |
It is developed by Bob Metcalfe in 1973, at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. |
It is developed in the year 1985, with its former name as SONET. |
Cost |
It is less expensive as it is used in LAN communication. |
It is expensive as it needs fiber optic cables to communicate. |
Design |
It supports flexible network design to start up and is expandable as per network needs. |
It needs dedicated cables and switching devices that are costly. |
Network capacity |
Gigabit Ethernet provides 100Gbps capacity. |
STM−64 offers 10Gbps |
Protocols |
Ethernet uses the Multi−Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) protocol. |
SDH uses the Synchronous Transfer Mode (STM) protocol. |
Bandwidth |
It has a high bandwidth of 10Gbps. |
It has a limited bandwidth of 2.5Gbps. |
Reliability |
It has error correction technology as an in−built feature and errors can be fixed by retransmitting the defective data packets. |
The carrier sense mechanism is used for frequency reuse (dynamic frequency). |
Error detection |
It can detect failures occurring in remote links. |
It can only detect sectionalized failures. |
Compatibility |
It has configurations to work with various hardware and media types. |
It can be used with fiber optic cables and other switching devices. |
Security |
It offers reliable encryption with AES−256 algorithm |
It uses a subnetwork connection protection mechanism. |
Spanning tree range |
It has the fastest spanning tree range from 10ms to 1s. |
It offers 50ms of switching capability. |
Conclusion
Ethernet provides a high data transfer rate, less cost, simple installation and maintenance, and performance factors as it is used within Local area networks and SDH is suitable for wider environments with better speed and reliability. As both are used as communication protocols, but they differ in encoding the data, coverage range, performance, and cost factors.
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