What is the bit pattern that denotes the Start Frame Delimiter (SFD) in Ethernet?

The Start Frame Delimiter (SFD) in Ethernet is represented by the bit pattern 10101011. This 8-bit sequence is crucial in the Ethernet frame structure because it indicates the beginning of the frame's data. Specifically, the SFD follows the preamble, which consists of 7 bytes of alternating ones and zeros (10101010), and signals that the destination address and other frame information will follow immediately.

Identifying the SFD accurately allows devices on a network to synchronize and prepare to receive the actual frame data correctly. The importance of this bit pattern cannot be overstated, as it ensures that the receiving devices can differentiate between the preamble and the actual frame contents, which is fundamental to proper Ethernet operation.