Ethernet, created in the 1970s at the infamous Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, was originally developed as a way to enable multiple computers to communicate over coaxial cables. The first Ethernet standard, 10BASE-5 often referred to as “Thicknet” (short for thick ethernet), supported speeds of 10 Mbps. Due to its simplicity, low cost, and flexibility in supporting both peer-to-peer and client-server architectures, the innovation quickly gained popularity.
Over time, as businesses embraced the Internet, cloud computing, and data-intensive applications, Ethernet rapidly evolved to meet growing demands for higher bandwidth, lower latency, and more reliable connections. By the 2000s, driven by the rise of the digital economy, major advancements in Ethernet standards were being developed.
Today, Ethernet technology enables 10 Gbps (10GbE), 40 Gbps, and even 100 Gbps connections, which support users whose businesses handle vast amounts of data and accommodate the increasing volume of internet traffic and cloud-based applications.
Ethernet’s Resilience in Accommodating IoT, AI, and Edge Computing
Although the term ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) was first used in 1999, it didn’t properly manifest until 2008/09, when it was determined that the number of connected machines surpassed the number of humans on the planet. Driving this growth was a business community eager to adopt IoT devices, AI, and Edge Computing technologies.
Underpinning it all was Ethernet.
IoT devices, ranging from sensors and wearables to connected machines and cameras, generate large volumes of data that need to be processed quickly and efficiently. Ethernet has evolved to support higher data rates, from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps and beyond, enabling businesses to transmit IoT data seamlessly across networks.
For its part, AI applications, especially those involving machine learning and data analytics, require low-latency, high-bandwidth connections. Ethernet’s development of 10G, 40G, and 100G Ethernet standards enables businesses to handle the large datasets used for training AI models and running real-time analytics.
Meanwhile, edge computing decentralizes data processing by moving computational power closer to where data is generated. As businesses deploy edge devices and edge servers for faster processing, Ethernet’s low-latency, high-throughput capabilities are essential for connecting these devices to central data centers or cloud environments.
Because these technologies demand faster, more reliable, and more secure networking solutions, Ethernet has proved itself as a critical enabler of modern digital infrastructures.
Staying Ahead of Bandwidth Need/Usage
IoT, AI, and edge computing are the technologies that have turned lakes of data into oceans of data. As such, in recent years, enterprises have experienced dramatic increases in bandwidth usage. Contributing to these data-intensive applications is the adoption of cloud services and the shift toward remote work and collaboration tools. To stay competitive, businesses need a robust, scalable, and high-performance network infrastructure to support these evolving demands.
Ethernet, long the backbone of business networking, offers a wide range of bandwidth options to suit businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large data centers. Specifically:
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE): Provides high-speed connectivity for enterprises with data-heavy applications.
- 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) and 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE): Ideal for large-scale businesses, data centers, and cloud service providers needing ultra-high-speed, high-capacity connections to handle heavy traffic loads.
- 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400GbE): As data demands continue to escalate, Ethernet networks are evolving to support 400GbE, which enables unprecedented bandwidth for ultra-large-scale environments.
Due to its flexibility, affordability, and high-speed data transfer, Ethernet’s use of fiber has played a major role in meeting the demands of high-bandwidth applications. Fiber Ethernet solutions, such as 100GbE and 400GbE, are ideal for enterprises and data centers that need to handle large volumes of data without degradation in performance. The use of fiber optic cables also makes Ethernet resilient to electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for mission-critical environments.
Ethernet. A Preferred Alternative for Cloud & Cloud-Based Applications
As cloud computing becomes increasingly central to modern business operations, the demand for fast, reliable, and secure network connections has never been higher. As the go-to solution for connecting enterprise networks, Ethernet continues to evolve to support the specific needs of cloud computing and cloud-based applications.
Its high-speed connections with low latency paths are ideal for cloud-based applications that require real-time data processing, fast access to cloud storage, and seamless communication between users and cloud services. When it comes to mission-critical cloud applications, businesses require a network that ensures maximum reliability and minimal downtime. Ethernet delivers on both fronts through a combination of robust technology and high-availability features.
FiberLight’s End-to-End Ethernet Services
Ethernet is one of the most cost-effective networking solutions for businesses, especially when it comes to handling the growing demands of cloud-based applications. Its scalability and the increasing availability of fiber-optic infrastructure make it a more economical choice in the long run.
Security is a top concern when businesses move to the cloud, as cloud-based applications often handle sensitive data. Private Ethernet solutions that bypass the Internet reduce the risk of exposure or cyberattacks.
Within FiberLight’s portfolio of offerings are end-to-end Ethernet services, which serve as a backbone of business connectivity for customers who require fast and secure data transfer throughout wide area networks (WAN) and an ability to scale for tomorrow’s exponential data growth. FiberLight’s scalable, reliable Ethernet Transport network ensures its customers can focus on meeting goals. To learn more about FiberLight’s Ethernet offerings visit http://j78k.airalkalimilagros.com/fiber-services/ethernet-services/.