What is 10Gb Ethernet

Ethernet is a technology used to connect various computers in a LAN, MAN or WAN. It was first introduced in 1980 and complies with the IEEE802.3-1983 standard. Since Ethernet was put into commercial use, it has evolved in many ways. These parameters vary according to the industrial requirements of data transmission and speed. One of the fastest types of Ethernet is Gigabit Ethernet.

Among several types of Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet is considered to be the fastest network with Gigabit data transmission speed. However, it requires compatible optical fiber to carry out Gigabit speed data transmission. This article discusses several types of 10Gb Ethernet and the optical fiber cables that are compatible with it.

10Gb Ethernet Overview

10Gb Ethernet is an electronic data transmission technology capable of transmitting data at a speed of 10 billion bits per second. It can also be referred to as 10GbE, 10GE, 10GigE. It was introduced in 2002 according to the IEEE802.ae standard. It features full-duplex data transmission on single-mode or multimode optical fiber. For medium distances and data transmission rates, it provides frequencies exceeding 0.85µ to 1.5µ frequencies.

Different Types of 10G Ethernet and Their Compatible Fiber/Cables

According to different data frequency and transmission distance requirements, 10G Ethernet is divided into the following types.

• 10GBase-SR: It is a 10GB Ethernet defined by the IEEE802.3ae standard. In this type, optical fiber cable is used as the data transmission medium. It provides multimode transmission at a rate of 0.85μ. 10GBase-SR is suitable for transmission distances up to 300 meters.
• 10GBase-LR: This type of 10GB Ethernet also belongs to the IEEE802.3ae standard. The transmission medium is optical cable, and the single-mode transmission distance can reach 10km at a frequency of 1.3μ.
• 10GBase-ER: This type of Gigabit Ethernet is also defined by the IEEE802.3ae standard and uses fiber optic cable as the transmission medium. It transmits data at a frequency of 1.5μ through a single-mode transmission protocol, and the maximum data transmission rate here is 40 kilometers.
• 10GBase-CX4: This type of 10GB Ethernet was introduced under the IEEE802.3ak standard. The transmission medium of this type is twinaxial cable. This network may require integration such as a gigabit media converter. It uses 8B/10B encoding protocol and the data transmission distance can reach 15 meters. It is used for short-distance transmission such as medium-speed inter-office data transmission.
• 10GBase-T: This type of Ethernet is introduced according to the IEEE802.3an standard. It uses unshielded twisted pair cables. Since 4 pairs of cables are used here, this type of Ethernet requires transmission connectors, network data amplifiers. It operates on low-density parity check code protocol and can transmit up to 100 meters.

Advantages of 10Gb Ethernet and related network equipment

In addition to large enterprises that require a large amount of data transmission, the demand for storage and transmission of massive data files in small and medium-sized enterprises has also increased. This is the main reason why 10Gb Ethernet has gained attention and enterprises prefer to mix fiber with existing networks. Here are some benefits of building a hybrid network using 10GB Ethernet, media converters, network switches, etc.

While servers have been used by businesses large and small for years to store huge data sets, cloud data storage has gained traction in the past few years. Whether it is a server or cloud, data transmission requires seamless and high-speed connectivity. 10GB Ethernet was made possible because it eliminates signal attenuation, provides increased bandwidth, high speeds, etc.

It is the preferred choice for businesses that need to send audio and video files and other types of large files over considerable geographical distances. Data centers benefit greatly from 10GbE.

Now that working from home is more common than ever, 10GbE undoubtedly has greater use and is worth investing in. This is because it simplifies the process of connecting to a virtual network via remote access.

It improves the security of our network and provides better privacy than 1G Ethernet. The wires are well covered and physically connected to the router. This makes external access such as hacking or data theft difficult.

It enhances server functionality and is particularly useful if there are multiple computers and other connected devices connected to the server.

Thanks to 10GbE, installing high-capacity networks over existing infrastructure without having to dig up or demolish any buildings is a huge benefit.

Since 10Gb Ethernet is only compatible with specific types of 10G Ethernet cables, it is important to select the fiber or cable accordingly. However, a 10Gb Ethernet connection over fiber or copper may require Gigabit media converters, Gigabit support, fiber managed switches, etc.

However, in order to achieve high-quality data transmission through 10GB Ethernet, we must use high-quality products. The quality of cables, fiber optic media converters, switches, etc. will affect the entire transmission process.