10base2 (oth)~ The Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 standard for baseband LANs (local area networks) using a thin coaxial cable (3/16 inch) up to 200 meters long and carrying 10 Mbps (megabits per second) in a bus topology. A network node is connected to the cable

10Base2 (n)

10Base2 is a specific Ethernet standard defined by IEEE 802.3 for local area networks (LANs) that uses a type of coaxial cable called thin coaxial cable (sometimes referred to as "thinnet") to transmit data at 10 megabits per second (Mbps). It is one of the earlier standards for Ethernet networking, particularly designed for smaller and less complex networks.

Breaking Down the Name "10Base2"

The name 10Base2 can be broken down into three parts:

1. 10:
   The 10 refers to the maximum transmission speed of the network, which is 10 Mbps. This was considered fast for its time, though it is much slower compared to modern Ethernet standards (like Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet).

2. Base:
   The word Base indicates that the network is baseband. This means that the entire bandwidth of the cable is used for sending Ethernet signals directly, without any modulation. It is the standard method of communication for Ethernet networks.

3. 2:
   The 2 in 10Base2 refers to the maximum length of the cable segment allowed in the network, which is 200 meters. This was the distance limit for how far a single cable could stretch between network devices, ensuring a reliable signal.

How 10Base2 Works

• Cable and Topology:
  10Base2 uses thin coaxial cable (often referred to as RG-58 or thinnet) that is about 3/16 inch in diameter. The network is set up in a bus topology, meaning that all devices (or nodes) are connected in a linear fashion to a single cable. The cable runs from one device to the next, with each device connected to the cable through a BNC connector (Bayonet Neill-Concelman connector) that is mounted on an adapter card inside the device.

• Data Transmission:
  In a 10Base2 network, data is transmitted as electrical signals along the coaxial cable. These signals travel in both directions along the cable, and each node listens for data on the network. When a device wants to send data, it sends a signal along the cable that is picked up by all the other devices connected to that cable. The devices then determine if the data is intended for them.

• Bus Topology:
  In this setup, there is no central device like a switch or hub. Instead, the entire network is connected through a single cable, and each node (device) taps into this cable. If the cable becomes damaged or disconnected, it can disrupt the entire network, which is one of the reasons why 10Base2 became less popular as networks grew in complexity.

Characteristics of 10Base2

1. Transmission Speed:
   10Base2 supports a transmission speed of 10 Mbps, which is significantly slower than modern Ethernet standards. However, in the early days of Ethernet, this was considered adequate for basic networking tasks like file sharing, email, and printing.

2. Cable Length and Range:
   The maximum cable length for a single segment in a 10Base2 network is 200 meters. If you need to extend the network beyond this distance, repeaters or additional segments were required. If the network used multiple segments, each segment would typically be connected through a repeater.

3. Network Topology:
   The network uses a bus topology, where all devices are connected to a single central cable. This means that each device is "listening" to the cable for incoming data, and the entire network depends on this single bus. This can cause issues if the cable is damaged, as it would interrupt the entire network.

4. Connector Type:
   Devices on a 10Base2 network are connected using BNC connectors, which are used to attach the devices to the coaxial cable. These connectors are easy to use but can wear out over time.

5. Node Limitations:
   In a 10Base2 network, a maximum of 30 devices could be connected to a single segment of coaxial cable. If more devices were required, additional cable segments and repeaters would be necessary.

Advantages of 10Base2

1. Cost-Effective:
   The thin coaxial cable (RG-58) used in 10Base2 networks is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of cabling, making it a cost-effective solution for small, budget-conscious LANs.

2. Simple Setup:
   Setting up a 10Base2 network is straightforward. It does not require sophisticated hardware like network switches or hubs, and all the necessary components (cable, connectors, adapter cards) are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

3. Space-Saving Cable:
   The thin coaxial cable is more flexible and easier to route than older thicker coaxial cables (used in 10Base5 or "thicknet"), making it a good choice for environments where space is limited or where the network needs to be installed in tight spaces.

Limitations of 10Base2

1. Slow Speeds:
   The most significant drawback of 10Base2 is its 10 Mbps speed. While this was sufficient for basic tasks in the early 1990s, modern applications such as video streaming, high-speed internet browsing, and large file transfers require much faster speeds, making 10Base2 obsolete for today's networks.

2. Limited Cable Length:
   The 200-meter distance limit for a single cable segment can be restrictive, especially in large office environments or buildings. If the network needs to cover larger distances, additional hardware (repeaters, multiple segments) is required.

3. Bus Topology Vulnerability:
   The bus topology is more susceptible to network failure. If the cable gets damaged or disconnected, the entire network can go down, which makes it less reliable compared to more modern star topologies (used in technologies like 100Base-T or Gigabit Ethernet).

4. Maintenance Issues:
   The use of BNC connectors and coaxial cables can lead to maintenance issues over time, as these connectors can become loose or worn, causing signal problems or network failure.

Summary

10Base2 is an early Ethernet standard that uses thin coaxial cable (RG-58) for 10 Mbps data transfer in a bus topology network. Although it was a cost-effective solution for small LANs in its time, its slow speed, limited cable length, and vulnerability to network failure have made it largely obsolete in favor of more modern Ethernet standards like 100Base-T and Gigabit Ethernet.

The above information is provided as general reference material and should not be taken as specific advice. For accurate analysis and professional guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an expert in the relevant field.