|  | Overview
Ethernet is now the dominant LAN technology in the world. Ethernet is not one technology but a family of LAN technologies and may be best understood by using the OSI reference model. All LANs must deal with the basic issue of how individual stations (nodes) are named, and Ethernet is no exception. Ethernet specifications support different media, bandwidths, and other Layer 1 and 2 variations. However, the basic frame format and addressing scheme is the same for all varieties of Ethernet. For multiple stations to access physical media and other networking devices, various media access control strategies have been invented. Understanding how network devices gain access to the network media is essential for understanding and troubleshooting the operation of the entire network. Students completing this module should be able to: Describe the basics of Ethernet technology Explain naming rules of Ethernet technology Define how Ethernet and the OSI model interact Describe the Ethernet framing process and frame structure List Ethernet frame field names and purposes Identify the characteristics of CSMA/CD Describe the key aspects of Ethernet timing, interframe spacing and backoff time after a collision Define Ethernet errors and collisions Explain the concept of auto-negotiation in relation to speed and duplex