The Collision Problem That Crippled Ethernet (And How We Solved It)
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Ever wonder how computers actually talk to each other over a wire? In this episode of ScienceLive, we break it all down ā 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 ā 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 ā 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 ā how Ethernet came about, how it works, and where it’s headed.

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Hello from IA!
the internet was the best invention
Got to love computers and technology
I like the part about the Ethernet
thats impressive
COOLLLLLLL!!!
Hello everyone from AZ
Hi from West Virginia
Hello from IA
Ethernet is so wow
Hi from San Antonio!
hi from CT
I love how the ethernet cable makes the internet faster.
I enjoyed learning about Ron Crane and the Ethernet in this lesson.
I’m so glad we have ethernet
Do we still experience computer collisions today?
good evening from illionios
Hiii from tx, I really liked todayās live
I always look forward to tuning in.
it’s nice to learn how our internet works!
loved this one!
Hello from Tennessee!
I love the internet.
Who invented Ethernet?
Hello from tennessee
hiii iām form montana!!!!
Hello everyone!
Hello from Maryland!
Hello! I’m excited for today’s science live!
Hello from Massachusetts!
Hello everybody
This is so good
I liked the ProtegƩs segment for tonight.
I’m pretty sure ethernet is better since Wifi isn’t connected directly to the router.
Hi I’m from Illinois!
hi thailand
so excited for todays live, Mr. Billings
hello from Texas
Hi from texas!
Hello from Dallas TX!!
Hi from Texas
Hello from South Korea!!!
I Love science live and I like learning about the ethertet.
Hello from TX!
hello everyone ready to learn?!
Which is better ethernet or wifi
I love science live!
I had noticed that Tobias had mentioned the printer, and it had me wondering: When did the first printers come out?
It is insane how your team and you managed to find a method prevent packet collisions, your impact on the technical landscape will always be remembered!
Hello glad to be back for another week of science live
Hello from NJ, glad to be back here for another lesson!
Hello from Kansas
Learning about the Ethernet is so cool.
Science, life is the best. I love watching yāall every week.
Jazette watching from Porto rico
hi from Wisconsin
Hello ,Jamarrie Springs VA
hi from virgina !!
Hi from New Mexico š¤
YAY!!! new acellus lesson
hello from Tn
hi from Mississippi
how long did it take to send a messaege to one computer another
how do they come up with these circuits
this is awesome
loved this video
hello from massachusetts
I like when Dr. Tobias talked about Ron Crane and his contributions to ethernet.
Hi from Florida!
HI from florida
Ethernet is kind of incredible! I never really think about it in detail of how it all works.
I like to learn every Wednesday on Science Live!
Hi from Lawrenceville GA
Hi from NC!
This one is great so far!
hiii from ga!!
hello everyone
Hello from Kentucky ! š
Hi we watched the rocket launch!
hey from GA
loved this live!!
I watched Artemis live launch to the moon on the news and my favorite singer was singing the national anthem!šā¤ā¤ā¤
I liked science live this week.
Hello From Virginia
did the vampire taps damage the cord and what are the down sides of the vampire tap compared to the coaxial card they made?
Hello from Georgia.
Hello from Chicago!
Hello From Kc
Hello from NM!
I am using ethernet right now on my computer! I’m excited to learn about this topic. Hello from Jersey
Hello from VA!
hi from Utah
Hello from Brazil
hi from illinois
hello from illinois
Greetings from NY.
Ready for tonight session from Louisiana
hello I’m from Texas
wow i love science live it’s the best
hi from texas
Canāt Ethernet cables be used to directly connect to the internet routers?
Hello from Calorado
Hi from Texas
Hi, from Chicago
Hello from Georgia.
I never knew this issue about early ethernet. Thank you for sharing and explaining with visual aides as well!
Here from Georgia
Hey from Mississippi!!
here from FL
Hi. Kenneth from NM watching/
Wait, so is Science Live not live anymore?
Hi from North Carolina
Hello from Texas
Ethernet is super interesting, thanks for sharing!
Hi from CT!
Hello from MT
hello from cali
Hello from Illinois <3
how did he come up with this circuit
Hello im here
Hey from Tampa/Florida
I am excited for live!
Hello from Mississippi
hey from ms
Hello from Louisiana!
I really liked the protƩgƩs part about How Ethernet works
How does Ethernet work?
hi from louisiana
hi from ms
Happy to be here
Hello from west-central Illinois
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 stateš“šļø.
hi from kansas
hi. Iām Jameson from Texas
Hi from NC, very cool to learn about Ethernet tonight.
Whoo! Dr. Tobias is my favorite!!
Hello Anastasia! Dr. Tobias sure is wonderful!
Ethernet is a great invention and very underrated nowadays.
Hi everyone. Iām looking forward to todayās classļ¼
Comment Hello from Charleston, SC!
The Proteges are the best part of my day!! They always bring a smile to my face:)
Hello Didrika! We agree, they always do!
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!
Iām 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!