Ethernet is the most popular LAN technology. Its low price and robustness, resulting from its
wide acceptance and deployment, has created an eagerness to expand its responsibilities to
the factory-floor, where real-time requirements are to be fulfilled. However, it is difficult to
build a real-time control network using Ethernet, because its MAC protocol, the 1-persistent
CSMA/CD protocol with the BEB collision resolution algorithm, has unpredictable delay
characteristics. Many anticipate that the recent technological advances in Ethernet such as
the emerging Fast/Gigabit Ethernet, micro-segmentation and full-duplex operation using
switches will also enable it to support time-critical applications. This technical report provides
a comprehensive look at the unpredictability inherent to Ethernet and at recent technological
advances towards real-time operation
