difference of ethernet and internet

Guri Bee

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21-10-2024

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Ethernet vs. Internet: What's the Difference?

The terms "Ethernet" and "Internet" are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference is crucial for anyone who uses technology regularly.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a physical networking technology. Imagine it like a network of roads connecting different houses in a neighborhood. Each house represents a device, and the roads represent the cables that connect them. Ethernet uses cables (like RJ-45 cables) to transmit data between devices at high speeds.

Key Features of Ethernet:

• Physical: Ethernet uses physical cables to transfer data.
• Local Network: Primarily used to connect devices within a limited area, like a home, office, or building.
• Fast: Supports high data transfer rates, making it suitable for demanding tasks like streaming and gaming.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a global network of networks. It's like a vast highway system connecting all the "neighborhoods" (local networks) around the world. The Internet allows devices on different networks to communicate with each other.

Key Features of the Internet:

• Global: Connects billions of devices worldwide.
• Wireless and Wired: Uses various technologies like Wi-Fi, fiber optic cables, and satellite connections.
• Vast and Diverse: Offers access to an incredible amount of information, services, and applications.

How are they related?

Ethernet is often used as a physical layer within the Internet. Think of it like a smaller road connecting a house to the main highway. Data travels from your device (house) over an Ethernet cable to a router (intersection), which then connects to the Internet (highway).

In simpler terms:

• You use Ethernet to connect your computer, smart TV, or game console to your router.
• Your router connects to the Internet, allowing you to access websites, streaming services, and online games.

Example:

Imagine you're watching a movie on Netflix. The data for the movie travels from Netflix servers through the Internet, reaches your router, and then uses your local Ethernet network to display the video on your smart TV.

So, what's the takeaway?

Ethernet is the technology that connects devices in your local network, while the Internet is the global network that connects those local networks. While they are different, they work together to provide the internet connectivity we use every day.

References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet