How does Ethernet handle error detection?

Ethernet employs CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) as its primary method for error detection. This technique involves appending a checksum value to the data frame, which is calculated based on the contents of the frame. When the frame is received by the destination device, it recomputes the checksum and compares it with the received checksum value. If there is a discrepancy, it indicates that an error has occurred during transmission, prompting the frame to be discarded.

The use of CRC is effective because it can detect common types of errors such as single-bit changes or burst errors, making it a robust choice for maintaining data integrity over Ethernet networks. This approach allows for a relatively simple and efficient means of verifying data integrity without the overhead of more complex error correction mechanisms.