IEEE 802.3 is a collection of IEEE standards defining the physical layer (PHY) and the media access control (MAC) of wired Ethernet connections. Designs based on the IEEE 802.3 standard allow interoperability between components from various vendors.  Each component in the system is necessary to allow generic computer A to communicate with generic computer B. The MagJack® is an important component of the overall IEEE 802.3 Ethernet puzzle.