Speeds and feeds -- what does that mean?

Question

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ16Njh-5JE&index=43&list=PLaPygi1zEFDol1N_YbwvZirr075k6SLQ4

In this module, we've been discussing Ethernet. We began by talking about the history of Ethernet. Remember? It was developed by Xerox back in 1972 and it's come a long way since then. We talked about some of the different speeds and feeds. Some of the different media that we might use to transmit Ethernet.

Alright, he did talk about different data speed options offered by Ethernet technology during the module, but I'm at a complete loss as to what he means by feeds. Is this some sort of expression he's using?

Answer 1

As FumbleFingers mentions in his comment the use of "speeds and feeds" is used for the way it sounds more than what it actually means.

"Speeds" refers to various upload/download capacities, from old-fashioned dial-up to full "Internet2" connections. In this case the context is the various options available to transmit over Ethernet networks.

"Feeds" refers to the various ways data can be transmitted over the Internet in standard formats, such as RSS. This is really only a small part of the data passed over the Internet, and is only indirectly related to Ethernet in the same way roads are indirectly related to automobiles.