Which speed is not supported by Ethernet?

Ethernet standards have evolved over time to accommodate various data transmission speeds, and the speeds typically recognized in Ethernet specifications include 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps (also known as Gigabit Ethernet), and higher speeds like 10 Gbps and beyond. The lower end of supported Ethernet speeds begins at 10 Mbps, following which speeds have commonly been established at 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps.

The choice of 16 Kbps is not aligned with any standardized Ethernet speeds, as it falls outside the range of speeds that Ethernet technology is designed to support. Ethernet is structured to handle progressively higher speeds, reflecting advancements in networking technology, and 16 Kbps is considered too slow for traditional Ethernet applications.

In the context of this question, understanding that Ethernet's specifications focus on certain speed increments helps clarify why 16 Kbps is not a valid Ethernet speed. The lower threshold for Ethernet speeds is rooted in both the protocol's design and its intended applications, which inherently require higher data rates for effective performance. Thus, recognizing standard Ethernet speeds assists in mastering networking principles related to bandwidth and data transmission capabilities.