Everything About Gigabit Ethernet

As networked professionals A/V applications require bigger bandwidths, gigabit Ethernet is becoming increasingly popular. Because of this, we are continuously pushing the limits of networking technology. In this article, you’ll learn the details behind this valuable technology.

Gigabit Ethernet or GigE is standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). It is described in a single standard, IEEE std. 802.3-2005. Before 2005, GigE was explained in two distinct standards. The first standard, 802.3z, described the upper layers (media access control and conding) of GigE, in addition to its three physical interfaces – a shielded copper wire (not compatible with existing 10Base-T and 100Base-T) and two fiber interfaces. In 1995, this standard was completed. The second standard, 802.3ab, described the coding and physical layer for 1000Base-T, which is compatible with 10Base-T and 100Base-T.

The gigabit interface converter or GBIC was launched by 1000Base-X fiber technology. An optical-to-electrical interface, the GBIC plugs back into the back of a switch or device. There are different GBICs that support different types of fiber, laser frequency and fiber modes. You can replace only the GBIC of your fiber-based equipment when you want to repurpose the switch.

1000Base-T needs more complicated signal coding contrary to previous Ethernet implementations. Using phase amplitude modulation, five signal levels are coded. GigE over UTP supports half and full duplex modes as with fast Ethernet. Duplexing gives 2 GB over overall bandwidth across the link, 1 GB in each direction, and eliminates the requirement for any collision detection and handling circuitry.

You should consider whether you will stick with UTP copper wiring or convert to fiber networking when using your GigE. Fiber has way more advantages, unlike UTP. With fiber, your data can travel farther, and you can get more fibers in a limited space. Moreover, unlike UTP that doesn’t even work with 10GigE, it looks like that some fiber types will be compatible with speeds beyond 10GigE. Fiber gives electrical isolation between interconnected devices; this is the most crucial thing. This can helpful in situations where lighting or high RF fields make copper an undesirable interconnetion medium.

Since we have already mentioned 10GigE, let’s talk a little more about it. Work is well under way on a new standard that will deliver 10GB/s connectivity. 10GigE does not only provide high speeds, but also travels long distances – up to 40km over fiber optic cables. It seems like the search for a faster and more efficient networking speed would never end anytime soon.

When you order your next GigE or gigabit converter, you have already known your device a little better. You would even like to have the 10GigE; but for now, be pleased with the existing available gigabit Ethernet. Al least you will be sure that what you need is a 1000base GBIC and not a 100Base-T.