media access control

collision domains​

Big topics

Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) is a media access control (MAC) method used in Ethernet networks. It essentially dictates how multiple devices share a single cable to transmit data without causing chaos.

Carrier Sense:

Before transmitting data, a device listens to the network cable to see if it's currently being used by another device. This is like checking if someone is already talking on a walkie-talkie before you try to speak.

If the cable is free (carrier sense), the device can proceed with sending its data.

Multiple Access:

In a CSMA/CD network, multiple devices share the same cable. This means they all have the potential to transmit data at any given time.

Imagine a classroom where everyone can raise their hand to answer a question, but only one person can speak at a time.

Collision Detection
Even after checking the cable, collisions can still happen if two devices attempt to transmit data simultaneously. This is like two people talking over each other at the same time.

When a collision occurs, both devices detect it and stop transmitting for a random amount of time before retrying. This helps prevent further collisions and ensures data gets sent eventually.

Fiber Optic Ethernet - higher bandwidth and longer distances compared to traditional copper-based Ethernet standards.

fiber optic cables transmit data using light pulses, which travel faster and experience less signal degradation over distance compared to electrical signals in copper cables

Single-mode offers longer reach but requires specialized connectors, while Multi-mode is more common for shorter distances and easier to connect.

100Base-SX might be suitable for short-distance, high-bandwidth connections within a building, while 10GBase-LR is suited for long-haul applications between buildings or campuses.

additional benefits of Fiber Optics like immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) which can disrupt copper cables in certain environments.

while fiber optic cabling offers superior performance, it can have a higher initial cost compared to copper.