Ethernet is a ubiquitous standard for wired Local Area Networks (LANs), and this paper introduces its first version. Please read section 6 “lightly.” We would like you to understand the purpose and significance of the formulas presented there, but we are less concerned about their precise derivation. We absolutely don’t need you to memorize or use them.

As you read, think about the following questions:

• What problem are the authors trying to solve?
• What choices do they make, and how do they explain or justify those choices?
• Do they mention alternatives? If so, what do they say is undesirable about those alternatives?
• What is the connection between this paper and lecture?

Question for Recitation

Before you come to this recitation, you'll turn in a brief answer to the following questions (really—we don't need more than a sentence or so for each question). Your TA will be in touch about exactly how to turn that in.

Your answers to these questions should be in your own words, not direct quotations from the paper.

• How does Ethernet control access to the shared Ether?
• How is that similar to, or different from, the way that our group discussions work in recitation?

As always, there are multiple correct answers for each of these questions.

Notes