Noun

1. A set of network cabling and network access (CSMA/CD) protocol standards for bus topology computer networks invented by Xerox but now controlled by the 802.3 subcommittee of the IEEE.
2. A computer network which complies with such set of standards.

Usage notes

• In both senses, this word is often used attributively, as a noun adjunct, in a manner resembling an adjective:

  These products comply with Ethernet standards.

  I'd like to buy some Ethernet cable.

See also

• ether
• IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD (ETHERNET)
  • the standards are available for download in PDF format