Internet vs Ethernet: Difference and Comparison

Computers and technology have become a part of our daily life. Everything is dependent on them. Other things are connected to computers and daily usage. An example of this can be Ethernet and the internet.

While most people are familiar with the meaning and usage of the internet, very few know what Ethernet is and what purpose does it serves. But that does not mean that it is not used.

Worldwide it is used frequently by many. After understanding Ethernet, the next important step is to understand the difference between the Internet and Ethernet because most people get confused between both.

Key Takeaways

1. The internet is a global network of interconnected devices that allows communication between devices worldwide. At the same time, Ethernet is a local area network (LAN) technology used for wired connections within a small area.
2. The internet uses various technologies, including Ethernet, to connect devices, while Ethernet connects devices within a building or local area network.
3. The internet is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, while Ethernet is limited to devices within a specific area, a building or campus.

Internet vs Ethernet

The Internet is a global network of computers that can communicate with each other, while Ethernet is a wired networking technology that is used to connect devices to a local area network. The Internet connects millions of computers around the world, and Ethernet connects devices in a single location.

The Internet is a network internally connected to a computer or devices, enabling the person to transfer data and communicate with anyone in the world.

It is used daily in schools, colleges, companies, houses, and everywhere. Every single piece of information is available on the internet and can be accessed by anyone.

Ethernet is a type of network connected through cable wire to the computer, and even there is a wireless option too for the connection.

It provides various services of communication and transfer of data to the users. Examples of this include printers, scanners, etc., which are used everywhere for all the services they provide.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Internet	Ethernet
Meaning	Interconnected networks of computers.	Primary physical space connected to the computer.
Secure	Less secure	More secure
Communication	Uses broadcast network for it	Uses point to point networks for it
Coverage	Wide coverage	Less coverage
Example	Wide Area Network	Local Area Network

What is Internet?

The internet, popularly known as the net, is the interconnected network system that connects worldwide web servers.

It transfers the data and information from one device to another globally with interconnection. It uses a packet routing network, following IP and TCP. It has made the impossible thing possible, and that too in seconds.

Advantages:

1. It has made the transfer of data and information easier. Now anyone can have the desired information anytime, and files can be transferred from one country to another in a few seconds.
2. It has improved communication in such a way that any person sitting in one corner of the world can easily communicate with a person completely living in the opposite part of the world without any disturbances.
3. It can lead to the development of other communication tools such as video calls, emails, etc.
4. It provides communication to several across different paths globally.

 Disadvantages:

1. It has led to fraud and misleads.
2. It is not a totally secure network.
3. Some people tend to take disadvantages of all the functions it performs.
4. Cybercrime has increased due to the misusage of the information shared on the internet.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a type of network created for the local area which connects multiple devices and computers. It is a secure way of the network as no third party can have access to information.

The connection is made with the help of fibre optic cables and wireless network technology (in the case of a wireless network).

There are several types of Ethernet networks which include:

1. Fast Ethernet: it is a high-speed network with the capability of receiving data up to 100 Mbps, which is supported by CAT5 Cable or mostly twisted pair.
2. Gigabit Ethernet: this type transfer data at a speed of 1000 Mbps. It is an upgrade to Fast Ethernet.
3. 10-gigabit Ethernet: this is an even more upgraded version of Gigabit Ethernet, supported by CAT7 or CAT6a twisted pair cables and fibre optic cables.
4. Switch Ethernet: it requires a normal cable and switch and is used for transferring data from one device to another.

Advantages:

1. They can be used in cramped areas as it does not require a huge place for setup.
2. Allow users to transfer data.
3. It is more secure than the Internet.
4. It can be used to convert IP addresses.

Main Differences Between Internet and Ethernet

1. Internet is something that is connected within the computer and links devices by using the TP/IP protocol worldwide, whereas Ethernet is not connected within but is a primary physical space that is connected to the computer.
2. Regarding security, the internet connects the audience worldwide, and anyone can gain information; therefore, it is not or less secure, while Ethernet is considered more secure due to the absence of an outsider’s interference.
3. They both use different modes of communication. The Internet uses a point-to-point network, while Ethernet uses a broadcast network to implement communication.
4. In the communication process, Ethernet has a limitation of allowance only one communication at a time, while the internet has an advantage in that it allows several communications at a time along its different paths.
5. Ethernet also has another limitation as it does not have wide coverage and can be used for a small area, while the internet has vast coverage worldwide; it is used globally at the same time.
6. The most common example of the internet can be a Wide Area Network (WAN), while Ethernet can be a Local Area Network (LAN).

References

1. https://sites.cs.ucsb.edu/~almeroth/classes/W10.290F/papers/ipoque-internet-study-08-09.pdf
2. https://140.78.51.40/static/0855380/files/strategy%20and%20the%20internet.pdf
3. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5496875/
4. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/360248.360253
5. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1435741/
6. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/359038.359044

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023