What is Ethernet? What IEEE standard does it conform to?

Ethernet is a popular, relatively inexpensive, easy-to-install LAN architecture with the following characteristics:

• Uses the CSMA/CD media access control.
• Data transmission normally occurs at 10Mbps.
• Typically implemented in a bus or star topology.
• Ethernet LANs are normally distinguished by the type of cable they use (Thinnet, Thicknet, or Twisted Pair).

The Ethernet architecture conforms to most but not all of the IEEE 802.3 specification (the physical layers are identical but the MAC layers are somewhat different).