Ethernet Ethernet is the least expensive high speed LAN alternative. Today this is still used for medium-long distances where medium levels of reliability are needed.
Fiber goes farther and has greater reliability, but a higher cost.
These other media reflect an older view of workstation computers in a laboratory environment. However, the PC and Macintosh have changed the geography of networking. Computers are now located on desktops, dorm rooms, and at home. This document is intended to explain the basic elements of the Ethernet to a PC user. It assumes that someone else will probably be purchasing the central equipment and installing the wire.