Ethernet : Network Access

Ethernet at Data Link Layer

• Most common type of LAN used today.
• Responsible for framing the packets received from Network Layer and preparing them for the actual transmission.
• Ethernet Addressing identifies either a single device or a group of devices on a LAN and is called a MAC address.
MAC Address
• MAC Address = Name of the device.
• Physical address
• Unique Cannot be changed.
• Assigned by the manufacturer. (The first half is the OUI of the manufacturer)
• Represented in hexadecimal.(48 bits) EX: 5022.ab5b.63a9 50:22:ab:5b:63:a9
• Required For Switch
Broadcast MAC Address:
• Has a value of FFFF.FFFF.FFFF
• Means that all devices in the network should process the frame.
Multicast MAC Address:
• Used when a frame needs to go to a group of hosts in the network.
• When IP multicast packets need to travel over Ethernet a multicast address of 0100.5exx.xxxx

Ethernet at Physical Layer

• 8 wires.
- Twisted Cable (4 pairs) to avoid the internal electromagnetic interference.
- Connector: (RJ 45) (RJ: Registered Jack).

UTP STP
Unshielded Twisted Pair Shielded Twisted Pair
Advantages Cheap Immune the external electromagnetic interference

Disadvantages Not immune the external electromagnetic interference Expensive

Ethernet Cabling:
• When connecting different kinds of devices to each other, different kinds of cabling is used.
• The following three types of Ethernet cablings exist:

Straight-through Crossover Rolled

- PC or router to switch or hub. - Host to Host - Cannot be used for any Ethernet
- Switch to Switch connection.
- Hub to Hub - Connecting to a router's or a
- Router to Router switch’s console port from your
- Router to host host’s serial communication (com)
- Switch to Hub port.