Ethernet and USB Serial Adapters
Ethernet, a high speed internet connection, is one of the most popular ways to communicate over the internet. With Ethernet you can connect to PC’s, LAN (local area network) and WAN (wide area network). WAN is a network that covers a wide area. A cable transmits radio frequency signals between computers at the rate of 10 megabits per second. Ethernet was invented by Xerox Corporation, DEC and Intel in 1976. It is also known as CSMA/CD and is used for high speed communication. Serial operates on one bit for each clock cycle internally. Ethernet serial adapters, also known as terminal servers, are devices that allow access to a console using networking technologies.
SATA or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is a type of computer interface used to connect host adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disks, among others. USB SATA was designed to replace AT Attachment because it is more efficient, transfers data quicker and uses 7 wires instead of 80. With this device you connect almost any type of drive to your computer. USB, or universal serial bus, is used to communicate between different types of devices. It stores flash memory data. USB adapters are usually removable and rewritable. A USB serial adapter is a small unit that helps connect microcontroller projects to a personal computer, or PC. It still works with any existing programs that interface with a serial port.
Each of these adapters are very useful in networking. They reduce the need for multiple adapters and, therefore, reduce unneccesary wires and bulk.