ClearOne Digital Media - Manual (Page 8)

Network
Ethernet - Modern Ethernet networks are now able to easily
carry data and StreamNet signals simultaneously without
difficulty. This fact reduces cost for the AV systems designer
choosing IP audio / video systems as separate networks and
cabling no longer need to be installed.
Ethernet defines wiring and signaling standards for the Physical
Layer of the OSI networking model as well as a common
addressing format, and a variety of Medium Access Control
procedures at the lower part of the Data Link Layer. Evolutions include higher bandwidth
support, improved media access control methods, and changes to the physical medium
which has caused Ethernet to evolve into a complex networking technology. Ethernet
stations communicate by sending each other data packets, blocks of data that are
individually sent and delivered. As with other IEEE 802 LANs, each Ethernet station is given
a 48-bit MAC address. MAC addresses are used to specify both the destination and the
source of each data packet. Despite the significant changes in Ethernet over the years, all
generations of Ethernet (excluding early experimental versions) use the same frame formats
(and hence the same interface for higher layers), allowing them to be readily interconnected.
Ethernet network interconnection options:
pg 8 StreamNet Digital Media and System Design Reference Guide
Common AV Signals and Interfaces
RG45 Ethernet