On this day in 1980, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Intel, and Xerox published version 1.0 of the Ethernet specification, known as the DIX standard. This came nearly three years before the modern internet existed, yet Ethernet would become the default technology for local and global computer networking. The specification was based on experimental work at Xerox PARC in the 1970s, but DIX made it an open standard that any vendor could implement, addressing manufacturers' reluctance to build incompatible LAN adapters.
Ethernet has undergone continuous refinement. In 1980, it used coaxial cable and ran at 10 Mbps. By 1990, RJ45 connectors and 10BASE-T twisted-pair cabling arrived, still at 10 Mbps. Speeds increased tenfold to 100 Mbps in 1995, then to 1 Gbps in 1999. Modern PCs often feature 2.5G or 10G ports, while data centers use 800 Gbps+ Ethernet over fiber optics.
Despite advances in Wi-Fi 7, wired Ethernet remains preferred for speed, low latency, and stability. Enthusiasts, home labbers, and gamers often choose Ethernet over wireless, even using USB-C to RJ45 dongles on laptops lacking built-in ports. The source notes that Ethernet's longevity stems from its adaptability and open specification, which have kept it relevant for over four decades.