What is Fast / Gigabit Ethernet and Why is Ethernet the future?

Ethernet is, quite simply, plugging your network directly into a telecom provider's network. When you bypass the local phone company you cut out an expensive transport step. Having direct access to customers is a carrier's goal as it allows them to control the user's experience from end to end while reducing cost. These savings are passed on to you.

Ethernet is a technology the was developed to allow computers on the same network to communicate at speeds ranging from 10 mbps to 100 mbps (also known as 'Fast Ethernet'). The next version of Ethernet, called Gigabit Ethernet, increased the data transfer speed to 1000 mbps (or 1 gbps). This version, created in 1999, allowed gigabit Ethernet to become the new standard of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) date communication - called 1000BASE-T. This technology is now commonly found in your Ethernet card in your personal computer.