What is the primary purpose of Ethernet technology?

The primary purpose of Ethernet technology is to serve as a common networking technology primarily used for local area networks (LANs). Ethernet provides a standardized protocol that governs how data packets are transmitted over a network, ensuring that multiple devices can communicate effectively within a localized network environment. By establishing rules for addressing and framing data, Ethernet allows for efficient data transfer, collision detection, and recovery, making it an essential building block for both small business and larger enterprise networks.

In the context of LANs, Ethernet accommodates a variety of physical media, such as copper and fiber-optic cables, and supports a wide range of data transfer speeds, making it versatile for different networking needs. This has led to its widespread adoption and integration into both home and business networks as a reliable means of facilitating communication between devices.

Other options, while they pertain to relevant technologies, do not accurately capture the primary function of Ethernet. For instance, high-speed protocols for global internet access involve different frameworks and technologies more aligned with WANs (Wide Area Networks) or the internet itself. Similarly, encryption methods are concerned with securing data rather than the transmission protocols, and cellular network technologies differ significantly as they cater to mobile communications instead of wired local networking.