The Collision Problem That Crippled Ethernet (And How We Solved It)
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 »
That is wonderful you are going to review the inventions and potentially invest in them. Thank you for helping shape the future!
And another wonderful Science Live! Can’t wait to tune in for the next!
I liked how Funny R-51 is, is there a video that I can watch about Isaac Newton and what he did?
Definitely interested in the new scholarship program!
I love the whole thing about Ethernet I actually use one for my computer! Cant wait for the next one.
Learning about the Ethernet was truly fascinating. It has really developed and helped to shape our world today. I am glad it was able to advance through numerous theories and hypotheses!
I wish you could solve traffic on the highway like Ethernet collisions.
Keeping my eye out for r51 xD
WOW! Can not wait to hear more on wednesday. So glad collisions aren’t a thing anymore!
Great video about the progression of ethernet from a 2 mb network into what it is today.
Favorite video so far!
It was interesting to learn how Dr. Roger Billings solved the ‘collision’ problem in networking. The idea of replacing a simple hub with a ‘concentrator’ (or buffered repeater) that saves packets in a FIFO memory really explains how networks became so much more efficient.
It’s really interesting on the history of Ethernet, I’d Love to hear more!
Love learning things from these video’s i tell my parents something new every day and i tell them i learned it from science live.
i love how you are always talking about hydrogen.Because I love hydrogen, and that was really cool about Ron Crane
I have the perfect science fair idea. Ethernet is so cool.
Science live is the highlight of my week!
I learn something knew every time I watch science live!
I LOVE ACELLUS!!!!
Science fairs are always so exciting even just the daily lookout for new problems can be so much fun! Thanks science live!
This weeks Science live, was so interesting, the Ethernet was really cool to learn about! Howdy from Montana 🤠
I really enjoy these videos and all the theories in the comments.
A good live like always!
Wow, very interesting Science Live this week!
Happy Monday!!!
Thank you, I’ve learn a lot of new words today with technology and such an amazing live science video for this week! There is always more to discover each week.
The internet is great I like how you can do many stuff on it.
This weeks episode was so interesting, Thank you!
I love Science Live because it’s so much fun. My favorite part is when one of the guys was playing a dinosaur game.
cool episode. Dr billings!
Dr. Billings has done so much that I didn’t know about. Thanks!!
lives keep getting better and better, i love the lives
Another amazing Science Live!
how much more can we do now to improve the ethernet? love how Mr.Billings will invest in an idea he loves!
I love that r51 is exploring new sports now he should learn what lacrosse is!!!🤣🤣🤣
It’s interesting to think about how much slower networks would be without this solution.
It’s cool how all of this works. Thanks Dr. Billing.
I saw him in the baseball field
They should do a Science Live video about caves,
Its crazy to thing your biggest challenges can turn into your greatest accomplishments.
Science LIVE was launched as a way to “give back” by mentoring students in conjunction with the Roger Billings Scholarship Program.
How long did it take to make the one billion bits per second internet?
Thank you all for what ya’ll teach and do for us every Wednesday I learn so much more and i love it!!
I had no knowledge of what an Ethernet was until this Science Live!
Comment i loved when you talked about hypothesis and theories your so smart and awesome
Great Science Live this week, thank you!
I love science live videos!
I wish there was a Science Live about hunting haha
And I love the Science Lives’.😀
i love science liveeeeeeeeeeeeee
i love the live
It was amazing watching this and how you solved the collision problem
Science interesting this week
Very cool learning that when we discover something there’s always more to discover with hypothesis and theories.
Tuning in from South Dakota!
The way people invent and expand upon things will never cease to amaze me.
Dr. Roger Billings is an inspiration.
The ethernet is so cool!
I love the way Science lives are so informational.
It was so cool to hear about the Ethernet.
HI from maine
a billion bits per second?! whoa. science is to dare!
Sending an email through the phone sounds like a lot of work
I loved learning about hypothesis and theories and how to find the problem. You are so smart.
I loved this live see you next week 😄!
Artemis 2 is so cool, Signing in from IL
Ethernet has come so far from the 2 megabit network it once was. It really turned out well
im am so grateful for science live, but I’m even more grateful for Acellus. Acellus makes learning so much easier than any program I have tried before this.
It was nice to learn about the ethernet and what it contributes to modern day society , great video
I learned how early Ethernet had problems with data collisions and how scientists figured out a way to manage them so the internet could work faster and better.
Hi guys! Loved learning about the Ethernet! At first, I didn’t know what it was and I was a little confused, but then after the proteges explained it I got it and it was pretty cool! I’ll be on the lookout for R-51 😉 See you guys next week!
YES, I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON INFORMATION ABOUT COAX CABLES FOR FOREVER, also can you guys please make a Science Live on just a focus on coaxial, it would mean the world to me?
Coaxial cables—often called coax—are specialized electrical cables engineered to transmit high‑frequency signals with minimal interference. Their design is deceptively simple yet remarkably effective, which is why they’ve remained relevant for more than a century. At their core, coaxial cables are all about maintaining signal integrity, shielding against noise, and delivering consistent performance across long distances…
A question about R-51… Couldn’t you track down him by his frequency (I don’t know the proper spelling), radio waves? I mean if I am understanding the whole computer thing. If you guys can put data into his system, there is a way to undo it. I really don’t know how to say it.
You’re right, Shyann — tracking him should be simple… if only he weren’t so good at reprogramming himself.
Hello from Costa Rica ! i have never heard of Ethernet. science live makes learning fun!
The aliens are proof that Pajet isn’t from Earth!!
So cool and interesting i love this science ♥️
Great lesson! Watching science live is always my favorite and will always be looking forward to it
Signing in from Florida.
NICE JOB Dr Billings!
Hi from North Carolina!
I use ethernet all the time! very useful for faster internet speeds !
Learning about the Ethernet was such a cool history and science lesson 🙂
I cant wait to learn about the collision that crippled ethernet and how they solved it!
One thing I liked in todays video was learning about the internet and how it works. I also learned that Ron Crane was working to make the internet better for people to be able to use.
I love when r51 showed up at the end of science live!
Science Live is always intresting. Watching the Artemis II”s trip is so cool to be history in the making. Learning about the Ethernet and how it passes data across networks is so intresting.
i loved the FIFO and how it works.
I really love watching the science live show.
Love the continuation of the segmented video structure, it was also really fun to learn more about the recent Artemis 2 launch.
Mr. Billing’s stories are very interesting!! I love Science Live.
I will never get tired of the history of science!
How do they know we’re watching??
Good question Jhett! Make sure you’re logged into your account when you watch Science Live. If you are, you will see your Acellus ID above the comment section. Your parents can also view your attendance: Checking Science Live Attendance
Science Live is one of my favorite parts of my week!
Mr.Billings is such a creative person!
I think I seen r-51 on the west coast? He was fishing and eating a fish sandwich.
Just wait — he’ll tell you he invented that sandwich. 😂 🥪
I look forward to Science Live every week!
Today I have learned that without the Ethernet, the Internet would pretty much be NOTHING and that your greatest inventions are under your worst problems.
Lesson learned today, when you go for it, go for gold
I am so grateful to be a part of this school
My dad thinks ethernet and hard-wired is still better than internet and wi-fi.
Up bright and early today! Morning!
This science live was so cool I also loved the launch of the Artemis 2! I always love learning more every single time you guys drop a new episode.
Science has opened so many doors! Im excited to see what comes next!
Thank you for spending your time with us every week, Dr. Billings. I always walk away from science live knowing more about interesting things.
I would actually like a Science Live about fishing, ha ha ha ha.
I’m following the Artemis II mission closely. I’ve been watching NASA’s live streams.
Your wish is granted Linus! 🎣 Check out the following:
🎬 How Fishing Helped Edison
🎬 The Science of Fishing
I love the stories told by Mr billings
”Let us know.” 😆 I love science live, makes me look forward to every Wednesday.
Glad to hear it Aubrey! Thanks for tuning in 😌
I loved this live very entertaining!
todays live was very interesting!
Woah what an amazing live!! Thank you!!
Great video this week! I love science
i loveee science lives
Thank you for Acellus Can’t wait for next week!!
hey from tn
Thank you Dr. Billings for all the science information!
-Toni from Glacier National Park
In the old days, if you have 3 computers, one on the left side, and two computers on the right side, would the right side overpower the left side or would it still crash into eachother?
Amazing live like always, it’s so incredible to see how we as humans and our inventions evolved throughout time.
Hi from Louisiana I love science live and acellus to.
I love science live!
Thank you for the video!
So interesting! I’m learning a lot!
I love this activity, thank you.
Hi from Texas
Love this live!!
We use an ethernet cord on our television
this makes me want to learn more about science!
Hi from IL
I saw r-51 just the other day in Alberta Canada! He looked like he was having fun.
This live was very interesting but I loved it!!
Awesome-sauce! I love science live
I love the way the protégés use the meme sounds
the artemis 2 is so cool!
Science live is so cool!
That was very cool to learn about
Science live is always so interesting!
I loved this live top 5 favorites for sure
“It’s interesting to think about how much slower and less reliable networks would be without this solution.”
I love Acellus so much!
Hello from
Phoenix Arizona !
Its very interesting how you guys solved this problem! Great Science Live!
Today’s Science Live is so interesting!
i like R51 and DrB
I enjoyed this live alot, watching from montana.