Importance Of Ethernet Shield For An Electronic Enthusiast

According to their website, Arduino describe the Ethernet Shield as The Arduino Ethernet Shield allows an Arduino board to connect to the internet

. It is based on the Wiznet W5100 Ethernet chip (datasheet). Whilst this is certainly a description of exactly what the shield is, it gives little indication of what the technology is capable and how it can assist. As is often the case, it is necessary to break down the term and assess how exactly the machine can be used and in what context.

What is an Ethernet Shield?

As its most basic, an Ethernet Shield is a computer component which is compatible and therefore used with Arduino Technologies. The purpose of the device is to connect a device to the internet via an Ethernet Cable and a local access network (known as an LAN). The device is then used to receive and send information via the internet.

Again, this statement has developed and introduced more questions than it has actually answered and it would appear to be the case that in order to assess what is an Ethernet Shield and what are its uses, an individual would first have to know what an Ethernet Cable and what a Local Access Network are?

What is an Ethernet Cable?

Ethernet cabling (or simply Ethernet) is a form of cabling which is often used in conjunction with high-speed wired computer networks. They are commonly used in broadband internet and often connect the cable modem to a wired or wireless router. Although their common name is Ethernet, they are often also referred to a RJ45 or 8P8C and can have a variety of lengths from 1 to 70 metres.

What is a Local Access Network?

A local access network (Or LAN) is a device or programme which allows a group of computers in close proximity to network with each other. These might typically exist in an office, a school or a library. They are used when the computers need to share information in the form of files, printers, games or databases. For the practical use of the users and the network controller an individual LAN can often connect to another LAN as well as the wider internet.

The Big Picture

When the local area networks, Ethernet shields and cables are put together and used to build up a network, they allow a user to perform a variety of tasks and jobs.

Arduino devices allow users, by means of an Ethernet Shield, LAN and an Ethernet Cable, to write a programme on one device and then send it to another. the beauty of this ability is that Arduino is suitable for professional and personal use meaning that just as many users might be writing programmes to help them do their jobs more successfully or to make their professional lives easier as are simply playing and testing their own abilities with programme writing.

Arduino and their authorised stockists, such as Proto-PIC are committed to the idea that IT exploration is for everyone and via their forums, online tutorials and customer services, aim to make the experiments of everyone from experts to novices as easy as possible.

by:Ewan Fisher

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