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From: gaj@hpctdja.HP.COM (Gordon Jensen)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: Ethernet Vs. IEEE 802.3 ??????????
Message-ID: <3260011@hpctdja.HP.COM>
Date: 14 Dec 90 22:25:55 GMT
References: <3443@lectroid.sw.stratus.com>
Organization: Hewlett-Packard CTD, Colo. Spgs.
Lines: 23


>Is IEEE 802.3 the very same thing as the "Ethernet" standard ?  In what 
>ways are the two different ?  I know that 802.3 is usually implemented >
>at a hardware level, what about "Ethernet" ?  Which one is older ?  
>Does using one seriously preclude you from connecting with machines 
>using the other flavor ?  Finally which is "better" ;-) ?


Ethernet and 802.3 are used more or less interchangably these days.
Ethernet was the original network developed back at Xerox ages ago.
IEEE made some minor changes - redefined the type field as length,
AC coupled the tranceivers, some other minor stuff.  I have seen
old Ethernet type 1 MAUs oscillate with the inductance of the isolation
transformer in 802.3/Ethernet type 2 nodes.  You shouldn't see any
problems unless you have some really ancient equipment, since virtually
everything that I know of that has been made in the last six years 
conforms(more or less) to the IEEE spec.

The only real difference is the definition of the type field.  IEEE 
uses it for length.  Fortunately there isn't a lot of overlap so
you can often figure out what kind of a frame you've got.
You can run both on the same cable, but your software may have
some problems.