The cabling standard that defines an Ethernet network using Thicknet cabling is 10Base5.
Understanding 10Base5 (Thicknet)
10Base5, often referred to as "Thick Ethernet" or "Thicknet," represents a foundational cabling standard in the history of networking. It was the original implementation of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 Ethernet standard, setting the stage for modern local area networks (LANs).
This standard was designed to provide a robust and high-capacity backbone for early computer networks, emphasizing reliability over ease of installation.
Key Characteristics of 10Base5
10Base5 networks utilized specific components and design principles:
- Cable Type: The distinguishing feature of 10Base5 was its cabling – a thick, yellow coaxial cable, roughly 10 mm (0.4 inches) in diameter. Its considerable thickness made it rigid and challenging to bend or route through tight spaces.
- Data Rate: It supported a data transfer rate of 10 Megabits per second (Mbps), which was a significant speed for its era.
- Signaling Method: The "Base" in 10Base5 indicates baseband signaling, meaning the entire bandwidth of the cable was dedicated to a single digital signal.
- Maximum Segment Length: The "5" in 10Base5 signifies a maximum segment length of 500 meters (approximately 1,640 feet) without needing a signal repeater. This long reach was a major advantage for covering large areas.
- Network Topology: 10Base5 networks typically employed a bus topology, where all devices connected to a single, shared cable segment.
- Connectivity: Devices connected to the Thicknet cable via specialized transceivers using "vampire taps" that pierced the cable's insulation to make contact with the core conductor. An Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) cable then connected the transceiver to the network interface card (NIC) of the computer.
Evolution and Decline
Despite its robustness and extended segment lengths, 10Base5's limitations, such as its high cost, bulkiness, and complex installation requirements, led to its eventual phasing out. It was gradually superseded by more practical and cost-effective Ethernet standards like:
- 10Base2 (Thinnet): Utilized thinner, more flexible coaxial cable, making installation easier and cheaper, though with shorter segment lengths (185 meters).
- 10BaseT: Marked a significant shift by introducing twisted-pair cabling (similar to telephone wires) and the star topology, managed by central hubs or switches. This became the foundation for modern Ethernet as we know it today.
10Base5 Specifications Summary
The table below summarizes the core specifications of the 10Base5 standard:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard Name | 10Base5 (Thick Ethernet / Thicknet) |
| Cabling Type | Thick Coaxial Cable |
| Data Rate | 10 Mbps |
| Maximum Segment | 500 meters (1,640 feet) |
| Network Topology | Bus |
| Connectors | N-type, AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) |
| Standard Body | IEEE 802.3 |
