Gigabit Ethernet, a type of Ethernet technology widely used in local area networks (LANs), allows for the transmission of Ethernet frames at 1 Gbps. It is used to provide a backbone for many networks, especially those that are large. Gigabit Ethernet extends the existing 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps 802.3 Ethernet standards. It supports 1000 Mbps bandwidth and is fully compatible with the 100 million Ethernet nodes that are already in use.
Gigabit Ethernet uses an optical fiber connection to transmit data at a high speed over long distances. Copper cables and twisted-pair connections can be used for short distances. Gigabit ethernet switches are getting popular day by day.
Gigabit Ethernet can be abbreviated to GbE or 1 GigE.
Techopedia explains Gigabit Ethernet, (GbE).
Robert Metcalf developed Gigabit Ethernet and it was introduced by Intel, Digital, and Xerox in the early 1970s. It became an increasingly popular LAN technology system for data and information sharing around the world. The IEEE 802.3 Committee certified the first Gigabit Ethernet standard in 1998.
Five physical layer standards support Gigabit Ethernet. IEEE 802.3z includes 1000 BASE-SX data transmission via multimode optical fiber. The IEEE 802.3z standard includes 1000 BASE–LX over single-mode fiber and 1000 BASIC-CX via copper cabling. These standards use 8b/10b encoders, while the IEEE 802.3ab (also known as interface type 1000BASE–T) uses a different sequence of encoders for transmission over twisted-pair cable.
Gigabit Ethernet has the following advantages over regular 10 to 100 Mbps Ethernet
- Transmission rates are 100 times higher.
- Superior performance is achieved by reducing bottlenecks and increasing bandwidth capacity.
- Full-duplex capacity can offer almost double the bandwidth
- Gigabit server adapters/switches provide a cumulative bandwidth that speeds up your speed.
- QoS (Quality of Service) is a service that reduces latency and provides better audio and video services.
- It is very affordable to buy.
- Compatible with Ethernet nodes already installed.
- Transfer large amounts of data quickly.
