Ethernet technology spans across the globe – from local area networks (LANs) in homes and workplaces to wide area networks (WANs) that link cities, countries, and continents via wired, wireless, and wireless networks.
Also known as the IEEE’s 802.3 standard, Ethernet initially was created for communication across LANs. Ratified in 1985, the standard specifies Ethernet’s working characteristics and physical media.
Originally, Ethernet supported a data rate of 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) on specific types of physical media. Today, the standard has been expanded to support 40 and 100 Gigabits per second (Gbps) rates and can be supported on multiple types of physical media.
The Ethernet Alliance takes pride in helping Ethernet technology to grow and evolve. The organization hosts multiple subcommittees that enable its members to support efforts to maintain, improve, and build upon 802.3 standards, and to create and develop strategies that bring new standards-based products and services to market.
Ethernet Alliance subcommittees help advance standards-based Ethernet by:
- Performing marketing studies
- Supporting new Ethernet technology incubation efforts
- Assessing technology costs
- Developing new standards frameworks
- Conducting studies on ways to further enhance Ethernet performance
For more information, please select from the Initiatives on the menu on the left hand side of the page.