What is 10Gb Ethernet

2023.12.28

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 came into commercial use, it has evolved in many ways. These parameters vary according to the industrial requirements for data transmission and speed. One of the fastest types of Ethernet is Gigabit Ethernet.

Among several Gigabit Ethernet networks, 10-bit Gigabit Ethernet is considered the fastest network for gigabit data transmission speeds. However, it requires fiber optic compatibility for data transmission at gigabit speeds. This article discusses several types of 10Gb Ethernet and the fiber optic cables that are compatible with them.

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, and 10GigE. It was launched in 2002 based on the IEEE802.ae standard. It features full-duplex data transmission over single-mode or multi-mode optical fiber. For medium distances and data transfer rates, it provides frequencies over 0.85µ to 1.5µ frequencies.

Different types of 10G Ethernet and their compatible fiber optics/cables

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

  • 10GBase-SR: It is 10GB Ethernet defined by the IEEE802.3ae standard. In this type, fiber optic cables are used as the data transmission medium. It provides multimode transmission at 0.85μ rate. 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 1.3μ frequency.
  • 10GBase-ER: This type of Gigabit Ethernet is also defined by the IEEE802.3ae standard and uses fiber optic cables as the transmission medium. It transmits data via a single-mode transmission protocol at a frequency of 1.5μ, where the maximum data transmission rate is 40 kilometers.
  • 10GBase-CX4: This type of 10GB Ethernet was introduced under the IEEE802.3ak standard. This type of transmission medium is twinaxial cable. The 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. Used for short-distance transmission such as medium-speed inter-office data transmission.
  • 10GBase-T: This type of Ethernet was introduced based on the IEEE802.3an standard. It uses unshielded twisted pair cable. Since 4 pairs of cables are used here, this type of Ethernet requires transmission connectors, network data amplifiers. It operates using a low-density parity code protocol and has a transmission distance of up to 100 meters.

Advantages of 10Gb Ethernet and related network equipment

In addition to large enterprises that require large amounts of data transfer, small and medium-sized enterprises have also increased their need to store and transfer massive data files. This is the main reason why 10Gb Ethernet is gaining traction and enterprises prefer to mix fiber with their existing networks. Here are some of the benefits of building a hybrid network using 10GB Ethernet, media converters, network switches, and more.

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

It is the first choice for businesses that need to send audio and video files, as well as 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 uses and is worth the investment. 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 especially useful if there are multiple computers and other connected devices connected to the server.

Thanks to 10GbE, installing high-capacity networks on 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's important to choose the fiber optic or cable accordingly. However, 10Gb Ethernet connections over fiber or copper cables may require gigabit media converters, gigabit support, fiber management switches, etc. Fiber management switches, etc.

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