Ethernet Vs. Internet

You may think that Ethernet and Internet sound similar while serving similar purposes, when in fact, it’s very important to distinguish the two. This is because if you truly understand each term along with its capabilities, you can take advantage of both the security features and speed of each one.

The Difference Between Ethernet and Internet
When Do I Use Internet or Ethernet?
Using Ethernet and Internet Separately or Combined
Pros and Cons of Using Internet and Ethernet
FAQ

Summary

Maybe you don’t know the difference at all between internet and Ethernet. Or maybe you know the difference but you don’t really know how or when you would benefit from each. This article will give you the basic definitions of Ethernet and internet as well as instances and specific examples of when and why you would use each one.

The Big Difference Between Ethernet and Internet

Internet, otherwise known as WAN, is the worldwide network connecting all computer systems. When utilizing the internet, anyone who has a connection can share information, send messages or communicate in many other ways with anyone else who also has an internet connection anywhere across the globe.

Ethernet, also known as a LAN, local area network, is not worldwide, but rather made of two or more devices that are connected within the same vicinity. Most likely, if you work for a company or in an office, you are connected to an ethernet that is shared with all other employees’ devices.

The main reason why internet and Ethernet are so different is because internet is global while Ethernet is local. Therefore, when you connect to internet, you are connecting to a wide area network, otherwise known as a WAN. When you connect to Ethernet, you are connecting to a local area network (LAN).

When Do I Use Internet vs. Ethernet

You should understand that you can use internet and Ethernet at the same time and you can also use Ethernet without internet and likewise, you do not need to use an Ethernet when using the internet.

When to use Internet

Using WiFi across locations, such as communicating between devices that are in two different locations
Connecting devices in more than one physical location
When greater connection is more important that speed and security

When to use Ethernet

For higher security purposes
When you have no WiFi signal
When you need faster upload and download speeds

Using Ethernet and Internet Separately or Combined

Using Internet Without Ethernet

It is also possible to connect to a Wide Area Network (the internet) without first connecting to an Ethernet. That is basically when there is only one device at your location because it is not a Local Area Network without more than one device. Another instance where you are using internet without Ethernet is when you or someone connects to a public hotspot, such as a friend’s hotspot on their phone or connecting to the WiFi at your local cafe.

Using Ethernet Without Internet

There are cases in which you might want to utilize Ethernet without access to the worldwide internet, such as high-security platforms or offices. This way, the connected devices such as employee computers and printers have communication abilities such as sending data. A great perk of Ethernet connections is being able to communicate without accessing the internet.

Using Both Internet and Ethernet Together

To transfer data internally such as to other on-site computers or printers faster, you would want to use Ethernet. However, if data is needed to transfer to a different location, then you would also need to use Internet. The benefit is to get the best of both connections. This is completely possible because both, internet and ethernet can work independently or combined.

Overall Pros and Cons of Using Internet and Ethernet

Internet Pros and Cons

Pros

Communicating from a distance
Very flexible
Many network options

Cons

Can be unstable

Ethernet Pros and Cons

Pros

Highly secure
Fast upload & download speeds
Very stable

Cons

Not flexible

Frequently asked questions

Would you use Ethernet or internet for high-security purposes?

Ethernet because it only allows access to the devices of your choosing.

How do I know if I have an Ethernet in my home?

In your home, all of your devices including your cell phone, computer, tablet or any other devices that are connected to your modem and router are considered a LAN, or Ethernet.

Written by Jessica Moore