While the internet and ethernet are often confused for one another, there are plenty of key differences between the two. Right from the Internet using TCP/IP protocol to interconnect systems worldwide to the Ethernet connects local systems within a physical space using a cable, there are a lot of differences between the both, which will be talked about in this article.
Internet and ethernet – do these two terms confuse you? Well, if you wish to know the difference between the Internet and ethernet, then you are at the right place. The Internet refers to the worldwide system of computer networks. It works on TCP/IP protocol. Moreover, It is based on WAN, that is, WorldWide Area Network. All modern devices like smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, or any tech gadget can connect using the Internet.
In comparison, Ethernet is a physical way of connecting various devices and networks. Unlike the Internet, it is a wired/cable network that connects through a cable. The data transmission takes place with the help of this cable. This might also raise curiosity into think how does an ethernet cable look like? I will tell you more about it in the article itself.
Differences Between Internet and Ethernet
Internet and ethernet are quite often confused to be the same. However, these both are poles apart. While one is based on a Worldwide area Network or WAN, the other is based on LAN, that is, Local area network. Here is the key difference between the Internet and Ethernet that will help you distinguish between them both.
- The connection Method of both is different from each other. The primary difference visible to us is the connection method as the internet uses TCP/IP protocol to interconnect devices worldwide whereas Ethernet connects local computers using a Cable.
- The Internet is a giant web of networks connecting many small networks. Together, they form a huge domain of data or information which is called the World Wide Web, whereas Ethernet is a medium for connecting a user to the Internet network in a local area networking system.
- The Internet is a global framework of interconnected networks and is allowed to share data among them, following some standards of operation. At the same time, Ethernet is the network of local areas connected to interchange data and information within its range.
- Ethernet uses a broadcast network for communication, but Internet uses point-to-point networks to initiate communication.
- While Ethernet uses only one communication line at a time, there can be multiple numbers of communications initiating at the same time on the Internet.
- Ethernets are a little more secure than the Internet as it is a closed local network, whereas the Internet gives a vast open network to users.
- Internet is more likely to be used as compared to Ethernet as it is easier to access and use. While for Ethernet, it becomes a little difficult for a non-technical person to connect the cables to various devices and systems.
After knowing how an ethernet is connected to a wire, you might also want to know what is an ethernet cable, and the other nitty-gritty about it. But first, here are the key differences in a tabular form that will help you define both of these networks better and distinguish between the two in a more significant manner.
| INTERNET | ETHERNET | |
| Connection Method | It uses TCP/IP Protocol to interconnect devices worldwide | It uses cables to interconnect local systems to each other. |
| Network System | World Wide Network | Local Area Network |
| Networks for Communication | Point-to-point Network | Broadcast Network |
| Size of Communication | Multiple communications at a time | One communication at a time |
| Type of Network | Vast open Network | Closed local Network |
| Secure | Not much secure as anyone can access the internet | Since it is a closed connection, it is more secured |
What Is An Ethernet Cable?
As you know by now that ethernet is a network, that can be used by connecting your PC through a cable, you might even be curious as to what is an ethernet cable. Well, to keep your curiosity at bay, let me tell you about it, and also, about what does an ethernet cable look like.
- An ethernet cable is a communication channel or medium that allows a flow of data and communication between different devices such as modems, routers, computers, etc.
- It is the most common type of network cable commonly used for wired data transmission at homes, colleges, or offices.
- It uses a wired connection to connect devices capable of sharing files and access the Internet and search engines through wired systems to a local area networking system.
- Commonly used wires for Ethernet are coaxial cables and special twisted pairs.
Why Do You Need Ethernet Cables?
An Ethernet cable’s most common and basic job is that they connect your computer or your laptop to a local area network and provide you with an internet connection. The ethernet cables connect into your wireless modem or router to internet entry ports or telephone lines. Without the cable, connecting to an Ethernet network would not be possible. Therefore, in an Ethernet-based network, cables are the most important components.
What Does An Ethernet Cable Look Like?
If you wish to know what does an ethernet cable look like, here are a few characteristics that will help you understand this cable better.
- It looks like a phone cable.
- The connector is slightly bigger than a traditional phone cable and has different pins.
- The end of the Ethernet cable consists of a small modular plug which is a registered Jack 45 connector.
- The size of Ethernet cables can vary from 0.3 meters, stretching up to 30 meters in length.
- It has a small lever on top of each connector end. It helps secure and unclip according to your needs. When you push the Ethernet cable, it will click into its place or fit.
- Sometimes the jacks have led lights as well.
- It comes in numerous colors.
For your reference, here is an image of the ethernet cable to identify with it better.
How To Connect To Ethernet Cables?
Now that you know all about the Ethernet cables, you might also want to how to connect to ethernet.
- An ethernet cable has two equal connectors on both ends.
- Try connecting or plugging in one to your modem or router or your LAN-enabled channel device.
- Plugin the other end to your wired Internet-enabled devices, computers, or laptops, whichever supports Ethernet connectivity.
- That being done, now you can be sure that you have got an established ethernet connection.
- You can access the internet hassle-free, provided you got your internet or broadband bills paid.
How To Set Up An Ethernet LAN?
Here is the process of connecting to an ethernet LAN, which can be done in a few easy steps:
- The first step is to set up your router or internet hub.
- Locating the ethernet port on your computers would be next. Modern computers have built-in ethernet ports that come along with the computers.
- Connect an ethernet cable between your modem or router and your computer
- Boot up your modem routers and computers. Allow them to restart entirely.
- Completing network setup is vital if you cannot set up your network using the guideline books or the guideline memos that come with your computer systems or call a professional.
If You Have A Wireless Network, Do You Still Need An Ethernet Cable?
Even if you have a wireless network, you might still require an Ethernet cable. There are many reasons why:
Which Is A Better Option, The Internet Or The Ethernet?
Once you know the key difference between the internet and ethernet, knowing which one is a better option becomes imperative. Ethernet is always faster than the wireless medium of data transfers or wi-fi. It is also safe in terms of security. With internet connectivity, anybody can access the Internet. Still, nobody other than its owner can use Ethernet because it is wired and does not transmit information through any wireless medium that can be picked up by any receivers or by hackers and decrypted efficiently. Other benefits are, it is not necessary to have a password every time you plug into your ethernet cables.
Wi-fi lags in the race for speed<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> with Ethernet due to multiple default connections or saturation of channels using data. Security concerns over access to wireless data and online hacks also became an issue with wireless internet access.
Ultimately, what you choose to have as your network entirely depends on you, as for many people, a wireless network might fair better. Nonetheless, now that you know the key difference between internet and ethernet, you will be able to make a much more informed choice.
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