Which of the following is a wired networking method most commonly used today by desktop PCs and other network devices to connect to a local area network?

Ethernet is the most commonly used wired networking method today for connecting desktop PCs and other devices to a local area network (LAN). It is recognized for its reliability, speed, and scalability, making it an ideal choice in both residential and business environments. Ethernet technology has evolved over the years, supporting various speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps and beyond, and it uses a standardized protocol that allows devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly.

This networking method typically utilizes twisted pair cables (like Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a) or fiber-optic cables, depending on the required speed and distance. Ethernet's robustness and relatively simple infrastructure requirements contribute to its widespread adoption in a variety of settings, from home networks to enterprise-level implementations.

In contrast, the other options do not serve as common wired networking methods today. Token Ring, while once popular, has largely been phased out in favor of Ethernet due to its complexities and lower performance. Wi-Fi represents a wireless networking technology, different from wired technologies like Ethernet. FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), although a robust networking standard for high-speed fiber-optic networks, is not as widely utilized as Ethernet in contemporary networking due to its higher cost and complexity compared to standard