Ethernet
Electronics Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: Ethernet is a family of wired networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LANs) to link devices over twisted‑pair or fiber optic cables. It defines the physical layer and data link layer of the OSI model.
Example in context
“The programmable logic controller communicates with the central server over a switched Ethernet network using Modbus TCP protocol.”
“Programlanabilir mantık denetleyicisi, Modbus TCP protokolünü kullanarak anahtarlamalı bir Ethernet ağı üzerinden merkezi sunucu ile iletişim kurar.”
Where engineers use it
In industrial control systems, Ethernet provides high‑bandwidth, deterministic communication between PLCs, HMIs, and servers. Engineers rely on it for real‑time data acquisition and remote device configuration.
Synonyms: IEEE 802.3, wired LAN
Antonyms: Wi‑Fi
Practice: can you use “Ethernet” at work?
You are designing a network for a factory floor with 50 machines. Justify the choice of Ethernet over fieldbus protocols like PROFIBUS, considering bandwidth, latency, and compatibility.
Show a model answer
“Connect the switch to the router using a standard Ethernet cable.”
“Ethernet” in 21 languages
| English | Ethernet |
|---|---|
| Turkish | Ethernet |
| French | Ethernet |
| German | Ethernet |
| Spanish | Ethernet |
| Chinese | 以太网 |
| Arabic | إيثرنت |
| Portuguese | Ethernet |
| Russian | Ethernet |
| Japanese | イーサネット |
| Italian | Ethernet |
| Vietnamese | Ethernet |
| Hindi | ईथरनेट |
| Thai | อีเทอร์เน็ต |
| Indonesian | Ethernet |
| Korean | 이더넷 |
| Bengali | ইথারনেট |
| Dutch | Ethernet |
| Swedish | Ethernet |
| Finnish | Ethernet |
| Ukrainian | Ethernet |
Frequently asked questions
What does Ethernet mean in engineering?
Ethernet is a family of wired networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LANs) to link devices over twisted‑pair or fiber optic cables. It defines the physical layer and data link layer of the OSI model. In Electronics Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Ethernet?
Ethernet is pronounced /ˈiːθərnɛt/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Ethernet used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The programmable logic controller communicates with the central server over a switched Ethernet network using Modbus TCP protocol.”
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