History of Gigabit Ethernet standards: 1000BASE-T / TX

Gigabit Ethernet means exactly what its name implies: a 1 Gigabit per second Internet connection. In computer networks, higher speed is always necessary and advantageous for the company or individual who uses it. For larger companies that rely heavily on the use of network connections and data transfer, a 1 Gbps connection is required. This article talks about what a 1 Gbps Ethernet is, as well as a brief history.

There are several types of copper and fiber optic cables that can be used when installing this type of connection. All of which are modified for high speed use. It should be noted that the copper cables used in this system are very different from those used in slower connections; the same goes for fiber optics.

Among the other types of cables that are used to connect to a 1 Gbps line is single-mode optical cable. A laser fiber optic cable can also be used for high speed data transfers. This allows miles of data transmission on a single cable and without the need to connect to routers or switches or network hubs. These cables can transmit data with very little interference, compared to other network methods.

This type of network connection has practical applications for businesses and universities. Campus buildings, for example, can be installed in this configuration to increase the throughput of data within the university. It goes without saying that the advantages this has for the industry are really great.

The first of its kind came out in the late 1990s. In 1998, Gigabit Ethernet was brought to market faster than Fast Ethernet’s 100 Megabit connecting data stream. It was originally designed to be an optical-only technology, which means that only fiber-optic cables are supposed to be used. A year after its release, its developers have modified it. They updated the technology to include twisted pair standards like 1000BASE-T copper.

The IEEE, or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, developed this technology. They used the 1000BASE-T standard to utilize the four copper twisted pairs, which were originally included in CAT 5 cable. The TIA, or the Telecommunications Industry Association, came up with a different standard almost simultaneously. It was called 1000BASE-TX.

It is important to note that there are also specific provider names for these connections. The cables to be used will also vary. For example, on a 1000BASE-TX connection, the ISP will have to use CAT 6 or better cables instead of CAT 5. There is confusion in the market between 1000BASE-T and TX connections. These two, while both offer a 1 Gbps Ethernet connection, are two different technologies created by different developers.

In the early 21st century, Gigabit Ethernet technology began to evolve. This technology was officially introduced to the market in 2002. In 2007, 40 and 100 Gbps connection standards were used. In 2010, this connection was finally approved by the IEEE. Today, the 1 Gbps infrastructure is used by countless companies and individuals who require the transfer of large amounts of data.