What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a cabled data network technology for local area networks (LANs). It facilitates the data exchange in the form of data frames between all devices (computers, printers, etc.) connected in a local network (LAN). Earlier the LAN only extended over one building.
Today the Ethernet technology uses fiber glass or radio to also connect devices over long distances.
Ethernet was invented over 30 years ago. A protocol was used as a transmission protocol that was in use at that time for radio-based networks.
Consequently the name Ether, that had been assumed historically to be the medium for propagation of radio waves.
In an Ethernet network, the users in the common cable network transmit messages via high-frequency signals.
Each network user has a unique 48-bit key that is called the MAC address. This ensures that all systems in an Ethernet have different addresses.
MAC is an acronym for Media Access Control.
The MAC address is required because a commonly used medium (network) can not be used simultaneously by multiple computers without data collisions, and therefore communication faults or data losses occur in the short or long term.
Different data transfer speeds were defined during development of Ethernet. Since 1995 the 100 Mbits/s standard has been used and it is called Fast Ethernet.
In the F01/F02, Fast Ethernet compliant with standard IEEE 802.3 2005 100 base TX with 100 Mbits/s data transfer rate is used.
100 Mbit/s Ethernet is also used today as the LAN connection for PCs.
In addition to a higher data rate, the 100 Mbits/s Ethernet offers the following advantages:
- All BMW dealers have an Ethernet infrastructure
- Ethernet is future-proof
- Standard IT technologies can be used inside and outside of the vehicle
- Ethernet allows a cable length of 100 m (cable length today in workshop = 10 m)