Ethernet Network Basics and Gaming Uses

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For many computer users, both gamers and otherwise, utilizing an Ethernet network is standard practice at this point. Allowing users to connect computers together and allow them to communicate in a few ways, Ethernet networks are incredibly common today — what exactly are they, though?

At Xidax, we’re here to help our clients with a huge range of gaming computer and related needs, including servers and other forms of computer connection that may be important for your day-to-day operations. What exactly is an Ethernet network, what are some various types of Ethernet networks and Ethernet cables, and what is an Ethernet Media Converter? Let’s go over all these areas, plus how they connect to gamers and their possible needs.

Ethernet Network Basics

Simply put, and as we alluded to above, an Ethernet network is used to establish a local area network, or LAN, which allows a number of devices to connect and communicate with each other. This is done through a cable that runs between different machines, so whether you’re looking to plug your desktop into the network or you have a server running in your home office, Ethernet connections provide users with a fairly standard method for getting users together.

LANs provided by Ethernet connections also offer a number of other services, such as allowing machines to be shared across multiple users or giving them access to certain devices. For example, gamers might find it useful to plug their consoles into the LAN and broadcast out video to their computers, giving them an easy way to watch downloaded movies and so forth without having to switch between cables or anything like that. Many gamers also use LAN connections to help with online play, as you’ll see below.

Ethernet networks are usually active within about a 7.5-mile radius of its center, though the use of fiber optic cables can expand this range significantly. With that said, it’s important to remember that just because an Ethernet network is far-reaching doesn’t necessarily mean the various devices attached will remain properly connected — distance, walls, and other factors can compromise network connectivity without careful planning.

Types of Ethernet Network

There are a number of different types of Ethernet networks, including:

  • Fast Ethernet: This is a fast format, capable of transmitting and receiving data at speeds up to 100 Mbps. A twisted pair or cat5 cable is usually used with this type of Ethernet.
  • Gigabit Ethernet: This is very similar to FastE, but is capable of speeds up to 1000 Mbps, or 1 Gigabit per second. A cat5e cable typically comes with the gigabit speed class. In many settings, Gigabit Ethernet has begun to overtake and replace FastE formats, as it’s far more useful for many modern individuals and organizations alike.
  • 10-Gigabit Ethernet: 10 Gbps is enough bandwidth for even massive networks, and cat6 and cat7 cables are usually used. This type of network is typically found in server networking setups. 10-Gig Ethernet can increase coverage areas exponentially for most Ethernet connections.
  • Switch Ethernet: Finally, this form uses a switch or hub plus a standard network cable, allowing multiple users to share a single LAN connection. For gamers, this can be particularly useful if they want to run local servers for their friends or simply play games with others on the same network.

Ethernet Cable Types

Ethernet networks come either wired or wireless. For the former situation, there are several different cable types that may be used:

  • 10Base2: A narrow, twisted pair of coaxial cables that’s used for data transmission. It’s also known as a thinnet cable.
  • 10Base5: A thicker, twisted pair of coaxial cables that’s used for data transmission. It’s also known as a thicknet cable.
  • 10BaseT: A standard Ethernet connection with RJ-45 connectors and unshielded twisted pair wiring. Sometimes called Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet .
  • 100BaseTX: A standard Ethernet connection capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 100 Mbps. The maximum length for this type of cable is 100 meters, or 328 feet.
  • 100BaseFX: A standard Ethernet connection capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 100 Mbps. The maximum length for this type of cable is 412 meters, or 1312 feet.
  • 1000BaseSX: A standard Ethernet connection capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 1000 Mbps. The maximum length for this type of cable is 550 meters, or 1804 feet.
  • 1000BaseLX: A standard Ethernet connection capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 1000 Mbps. The maximum length for this type of cable is 1,000 meters.

Ethernet Media Converters

An Ethernet media converter refers to a device designed to connect various forms of networking media. For example, a media converter could hook up a 10Base2 cable to a 10BaseT cable in order to bridge the two connections. This is especially useful for older Ethernet networks that may need to speak with newer versions.

Gamers may have several potential uses of Ethernet Media Converters, including things like:

  • Converting a 10BASE2 network to a 10BASE-T network: This can be useful for connecting older devices that may only support the former to newer networks that use the latter.
  • Connecting multiple switches or hubs together to increase signal strength and/or range: For gamers using Switch Ethernet, this is an incredibly useful feature.
  • Converting a standard Ethernet connection to or from a wireless connection: This is especially useful for gamers with laptops because it allows them to play games without worrying about wires.

Ethernet Media Converters are used in much the same way as other converter devices, by connecting one jack to another. These converters can be found online and through a variety of sources.

For more on Ethernet networks and their uses in the gaming world, or to learn about any of our gaming laptops or gaming desktops, speak to the pros at Xidax today.

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