Most popular family of local area network (LAN) protocols and cabling schemes, for connecting computers, printers, modems, terminals etc. Originally developed by Xerox in 1976, Ethernet has continuously evolved and is now available in 100 Kbps to 1 Gbps data transmission speed versions. It is governed by IEEE 802.3 standard and can use coaxial, twisted-pair, and fiber-optic cables to connect up to 1,024 PCs and devices within each main branch. See also token ring network.