The Collision Problem That Crippled Ethernet (And How We Solved It)
Unable to load video? Click here.
Ever wonder how computers actually talk to each other over a wire? In this episode of ScienceLive, we break it all down — starting with the earliest Ethernet networks running over coaxial cable, through the switch to Cat5 cabling, and into the fundamental building block of all network communication: the packet.
You’ll learn what packets are, how they carry your data across a network, and why early Ethernet had a serious flaw — data collisions that could bring an entire network to its knees. We explain why collisions happen and what they mean for the data you’re trying to send.
Then comes the part we’re most excited about: how my team and I discovered a solution to stop packet collisions entirely, leading to the invention of WideBand networking. In this episode we give you the teaser — next week, we’ll teach you exactly how it works.
This lesson is for anyone who wants to truly understand computer networking from the ground up — how Ethernet came about, how it works, and where it’s headed.
About DrB
Read more about DrB »
About the Roger Billings Scholarship Program »
Dr. Billings,
My family started watching science live because I had to leave my school and my mom couldn’t afford the full tuition. At first I wasn’t so excited. But it has become a family event. My big brothers and adults cousins have been coming over to watch it with me and mom and talk about it together. It been really fun and I appreciate you so much for the help.
Hello from Illinois <3
how did he come up with this circuit
I am excited for live!
Hello from Mississippi
hey from ms
I really liked the protégés part about How Ethernet works
hi from louisiana
hi from ms
Happy to be here
hello from Texas
Hi from TX!!
Hello from California!!!!
here from columbus ga
Happy Wednesday!
hi y’all so excited to be in class today
Good evening from Florida!
Learning about Ethernet is making me look forward for next weeks live!! Can’t wait to learn more in depth.
Hi from Texas! Excited for tonight!
How does the Ethernet work? Like is it just internet sent through a cable or is it entirely different??
hi from tennessee
Im excited for tonight! Thank you for these videos, watching from Kentucky
Loved it!!!
What actually happens to the data packets during an Ethernet collision, and why was it considered to cripple the network?
here from IL
Jack from Caddo
Hi from sc
I wonder if it could be possible to use the vampire tip cable to connect an old computer with a new one. Would take a lot of engineering, though.
Hi from Colorado
Hello from FL
Hello science live! I’ve heard the word “Ethernet” before but never knew what it was. Guess I’ll learn about it!
What would happen if you got one of those cables mixed up
hi from Texas
How do you stop collison packets ?
Hello from NY!! Have a good day/night!
i always love watching these videos its really amazing
This episode was great!
Hey from Virginia
Hi from the aloha state🌴🏝️.
hi from kansas
hi. I’m Jameson from Texas
Hi from NC, very cool to learn about Ethernet tonight.
Whoo! Dr. Tobias is my favorite!!
Ethernet is a great invention and very underrated nowadays.
Hi everyone. I’m looking forward to today’s class！
Comment Hello from Charleston, SC!
The Proteges are the best part of my day!! They always bring a smile to my face:)
How many kinds of Ethernet cable is there?
heyy from hawaii
Hi from Memphis! Great live!
Hi from MS
What is the maximum speed that ethernet supports?
So cool!
Hi from Kentucky!
I’m so ready for this live
How much did it cost to make the ethernet?
Hi from TX
Hi from UAS
Hi everyone. My little sister and I are here from Georgia!
This is so coooooooll!!! I love Acellus Acadamy! And hi from tennesssee (aka, my dad’s house)
Hi from NJ
Gonna be entertaining as always!
Hello from Texas
Hey, from Virginia
So excited for science live!
Hello from Nevada
from louisiana!!
hope everyone is having an amazing day
Older tech is so cool!
I never really thought of it like computers talking to one another!
Hi from NC
I like science live. Lukas from Louisiana.
Hello from Alabama
hello from texas
Hello from Kansas! Hope you guys have a good day
howdy from Texas!
Howdy Nichole! 🤠
hello from Mississippi
Hello Mr.Billings
hi from ID
Which is better ethernet or wifi
hi from michigan
Hello, wonder what the video is about this time!
Hi from Ky!
I am enjoying this episode of live science!
i really liked this live.
This was a great science live today it was very interesting
Hello from Ohio
Were there any companies that competed against Zerox for the ethernet?
I like science live
How does ethernet affect everything else?
Hi, I’m so excited for Science Live!
Love science live and learning new stuff from it!
Hi Abigail! We love science too! 🔬
The evolving of the ethernet is interesting and impressive!
HELLO FROM Georgia
Hi from tn
Ethernet sounds very futuristic
hi from GA
Hi from Texas!
hello from virginia
Science is fun!
hola from Florida!
This live was amazing!
Hi from Indiana
Hi from Alaska!
Hi from Illinois
Hi from New Jersey! excited for today’s live video!
Hello from wisconsin!
Hello from Texas! Excited about science live
Hi from Georgia
hi from Cheny WA
i love science live
Hi from Texas! Ready for Sciencelive!
Good evening science live
Hello from Louisiana
I’m from Georgia thanks for this video.
I love these lives
I love science
hello from TN
Jakub from NJ cant wait to watch the video!!!
Hello from Illinois
Hi from ct
Hello from Bangladesh
checking in from u.s.
i really love science live
Glad i could make it!
hi from CA
Great live this week!
Hello from East Texas!
Love science live!
Hello from Mississippi!
whats up from kansas
hi from TX
hiii love science live
hello from illinois
I love science live!
hello from texas
hello from Georgia
hi from nc!