Welcome to
Charles Spurgeon's Ethernet Web Site

This site provides extensive information about Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) local area network (LAN) technology. Including the original 10 Megabit per second (Mbps) system, the 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet system (802.3u), and the Gigabit Ethernet system (802.3z).

Drawing of the First Ethernet System

A drawing of the first Ethernet system by Bob Metcalfe.

Practical Networking with Ethernet provides a comprehensive and accurate source of information on the entire Ethernet system in a single book. Includes 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as repeaters, switching hubs, full-duplex Ethernet, specifications for all media systems, structured cabling systems for twisted-pair cabling, network management, troubleshooting, and more.

The Quick Reference Guides

The Quick Reference Guides contain the official configuration rules for each Ethernet media type, as published in the IEEE 802.3 standard. Also included are the configuration rules for combining different Ethernet media types. This makes it possible for you to verify the configuration of your Ethernet system, to make sure that it meets the official configuration guidelines and that it will operate correctly.

The on-line Quick Reference Guides provided here contain over 150 pages of concise technical information, including more than 60 figures and tables. Taken all together, the Quick Reference Guides provide a complete configuration manual for 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps Ethernet, available for free on the Web!

  • Quick Reference Guides to 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet The Quick Reference Guides for 100Mbps Fast Ethernet include the complete set of configuration guidelines for the 100 Mbps Ethernet system.
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    Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) Resources

    Access to a wide range of technical information on Ethernet.

  • Why is it called Ethernet?

  • 10 Mbps Ethernet

  • 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet

  • Gigabit Ethernet

  • Buyers Guides
    Looking for Ethernet components? These buyers guides provide access to a wide range of vendor offerings, including Ethernet NICs, repeater hubs, switching hubs, cabling components, and much more.

  • Ethernet Software
    Access to Ethernet software, including Ethernet analyzers and packet drivers for Ethernet interfaces.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) lists related to Ethernet

  • Papers and Reports
    Technical papers and reports, including access to information on the Ethernet standard.

  • Troubleshooting Numbers
    Useful magic numbers for managing and troubleshooting Ethernet systems, including Ethernet type codes, Ethernet vendor codes, and assigned multicast addresses.

  • Usenet Lists related to Ethernet and network issues.

  • Vendors
    Web pages of Ethernet vendors and vendors of other networking hardware and software.

    Last updated 26Sept1999
    This Ethernet Web site was created in February 1994, by
    Charles Spurgeon, c.spurgeon@mail.utexas.edu