What is Gigabit Ethernet?

Gigabit Ethernet is a variant of the Ethernet technology generally used in local area networks (LANs) for sending Ethernet frames at 1 Gbps. It can be used as a backbone in several networks, especially those of large organizations.

Gigabit Ethernet is an enlargement to the earlier 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps 802.3 Ethernet standards. It provides 1,000 Mbps bandwidth while supporting full compatibility with the set up base of around 100 million Ethernet nodes.

Gigabit Ethernet usually employs an optical fibre connection to share records at a very huge speed over high distances. For short distances, copper cables and twisted pair connections are utilized.

Advantages of Gigabit Ethernet

The advantages of Gigabit Ethernet are as follows −

• Noise Immunity − The coaxial cable used in an Ethernet network is very well shielded, and has a very large immunity from electrical noise generated by external sources.

• Reliability − Ethernet connections acquire principal reliability. This is because there is no delay from the radio frequencies. Therefore, ultimately there are fewer disconnections and slowdowns in Ethernet. Because the bandwidth is not shared between connected devices, there are no bandwidth shortages as well.

• Conceptually Simple −Ethernet is clearly daisy-chained closely with coax cable and "T" adapters. There are generally no hubs, transceivers, or multiple devices used.

• Speed − Speed provided by Ethernet is much higher than compared to the wireless connection. This is due to the Ethernet supporting one to one connection. As a result, a speed of 10Gbps or sometimes 100Gbps can be simply managed.

Disadvantages of Gigabit Ethernet

The disadvantages of Gigabit Ethernet are as follows −

• Installation − Ethernet connections are usually harder to install without expert assistance. Particularly the areas where they required passing walls and various floors. These areas required to be drilled independently and also multiple cables required to be connected to several computers and switches.

• Mobility − Mobility is limited. Ethernet is perfect to use in areas where the device is required for sitting in specific areas.

• Connections − The multiple connections are restricted in Ethernet. If it is using a single Ethernet connection then only a single device can be linked.

• Difficult Troubleshooting − Ethernet networks are very complex to troubleshoot. There is no simple way to decide what node or cable areas is generating a problem, and the network should be troubleshot by a "step of elimination." This can be very slow.