A Flexible Solution for Industrial Ethernet

Since its conception by Xerox in the mid-seventies and standardization as IEEE 802.3 in 1983, Ethernet has become the de facto standard for computer communication in the business world. Ethernet networks have evolved from coaxial cable-based systems delivering 3-Mbps performance to systems built from unshielded twisted pair (Cat5 UTP) cables that can deliver high reliability, low cost, and 100-Mbps performance. With devices capable of 1-Gbps Ethernet already in the market and 10-Gbps visibly on the horizon, the continuous evolution (see Table 1) of Ethernet will continue to service market requirements long into the future.