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Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. For digital devices, the bandwidth is usually expressed in bits per second(bps).
Ethernet: A local-area network (LAN) protocol developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel in 1976.
Switched vs. shared: User is guaranteed the full bandwidth rather than competing for bandwidth with other users on the same connection.
10BaseT: A version of the Ethernet system that operates at 10 Mbps.
100BaseT (or Fast Ethernet): A newer version of Ethernet that supports data transfer rates of 100 Mbps.
Gigabit Ethernet: The newest version of Ethernet that supports data rates of 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second.
Fiber optics: A technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves.
Advantages:
• Much greater bandwidth than traditional metal cables
• Less susceptible to interference
• Thinner and lighter
• Data is transmitted digitally
Major disadvantage:
• Relatively expensive to install and more fragile than wire