10BASE2 and10BASE5 Networks
Last updated: 8/27/01

Q.  What are 10BASE2 and 10BASE5 Ethernet Networks?

A.  10BASE2 (or "thinwire" Ethernet or “Cheapernet”) is denotes the IEEE 802.3 physical Layer specification for a 10 Mbits/sec. data rate, baseband network with a 185-meter maximum segment length.  It uses RG-58/AU stranded core coaxial cable.  (For more information see http://duxcw.com/faq/network/thinwire.htm).

10base5 (or "thickwire" Ethernet) is the physical Layer Specification for a 10 Mbps baseband network with a 500-meter maximum segment length.  It uses double-shielded RG-11 coaxial cable.