π IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)
IEEE 802.3 is the standard for Ethernet networks, specifying the physical and data link layer for wired communications.
- Physical Layer: Defines the physical medium and signaling used for Ethernet, including cabling, connectors, and signal encoding methods.
- Data Link Layer: Defines the MAC (Medium Access Control) sub-layer, responsible for handling how devices access the communication medium and manage data transmission.
Key Features of IEEE 802.3:
- Ethernet Frame Format: Includes a header, data, and trailer. The header includes source and destination MAC addresses, and the trailer contains error-checking information (such as CRC).
- Transmission Speed: Originally 10 Mbps in 802.3, but modern versions support speeds of up to 100 Gbps or more (e.g., 10G Ethernet).
- Full-Duplex & Half-Duplex: Early versions supported half-duplex, where data could only flow in one direction at a time, while modern versions support full-duplex, allowing simultaneous sending and receiving.
π IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi)
IEEE 802.11 is the standard for wireless local area networks (WLANs), commonly known as Wi-Fi. It defines how devices communicate over radio frequencies.
- Physical Layer: Specifies the wireless medium, including different frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and modulation techniques.
- Data Link Layer: Defines the MAC sub-layer, which manages access to the shared wireless medium and ensures reliable data transfer.
Key Features of IEEE 802.11:
- Access Points (APs): Devices that provide access to the wireless network for client devices.
- Authentication and Encryption: Supports WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 for security, providing encryption to protect wireless communications.
- Multiple Versions: Over time, several versions of 802.11 have been developed to improve speed, range, and reliability:
- 802.11b (11 Mbps, 2.4 GHz)
- 802.11g (54 Mbps, 2.4 GHz)
- 802.11n (600 Mbps, 2.4/5 GHz)
- 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5, 1 Gbps, 5 GHz)
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6, 9.6 Gbps, 2.4/5/6 GHz)
π Comparison: IEEE 802.3 vs IEEE 802.11
| Feature | IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) | IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | Wired (Copper/Fiber) | Wireless (Radio Waves) |
| Max Speed | Up to 100 Gbps | Up to 9.6 Gbps (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Range | Limited by cable length | Limited by signal range and interference |
| Collision | Collision Domain in shared Ethernet | No collision domain in managed networks (APs handle traffic) |
| Usage | Local Area Networks (LANs) | Local Area Networks (WLANs) |
π§ Deep Insight
While Ethernet (802.3) provides reliable, high-speed communication over wires, Wi-Fi (802.11) offers the convenience of wireless connectivity. Ethernet is often preferred for fixed installations where high performance and reliability are essential, such as in data centers and enterprise networks. On the other hand, Wi-Fi is indispensable for providing flexibility and mobility, allowing users to connect from anywhere within range of an access point.
“Ethernet offers predictable performance, while Wi-Fi offers the freedom of mobility, though both rely on their respective MAC protocols for efficient medium access.”
π§ Key Takeaways
- IEEE 802.3 defines Ethernet, which is used for wired networks with high reliability and high-speed performance.
- IEEE 802.11 defines Wi-Fi, enabling wireless communication with a range of speeds and security mechanisms.
- Ethernet is ideal for stable, high-performance environments, while Wi-Fi offers the convenience of wireless connectivity at the cost of potential interference.
π Links
- Previous: Shared and Switched Ethernet
- Next: 10-Gigabit Ethernet