Thick Ethernet
Thick Ethernet was the first commercially available form of cabling supported by Ethernet. It is technically known as 10-BASE-5. Here, 10 is the maximum throughput, i.e. 10 Mbps, BASE denoted use of baseband transmission, and 5 refers to the maximum segment length of 500 metres (1,600 ft). This type of cabling allows 100 stations to be connected to it by vampire taps.
Thin Ethernet
Thin Ethernet, popularly known as cheapernet or thinnet, is among the family of Ethernet standards that uses thinner coaxial cable as a transmission media. It is technically known as 10-BASE-2.
Here, 10 is the maximum throughput, i.e. 10 Mbps, BASE denoted use of baseband transmission, and 2 refers to the maximum segment length of about 200 metres (precisely 185 metres). This type of cabling allows a maximum of 30 stations to be connected to it by BNC connectors with 50 centimetres minimum gap between subsequent stations.
Differences between Thick Ethernet and Thin Ethernet
| Thick Ethernet | Thin Ethernet |
| It is technically known as 10-BASE-5. | It is technically known as 10-BASE-5. |
| The maximum segment length is 500 metres. | The maximum segment length is nearly 200 metres (185 m to be exact). |
| It uses the thick coaxial cable RG-8/U. | It uses the thinner coaxial cable RG-58/AU. |
| Connectors used are vampire taps. | Connectors used are BNC connectors. |
| It allows a maximum of 100 stations to be connected. | It allows a maximum of 30 stations to be connected. |
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