Ethernet and LAN are technologies that work well to fulfill every requirement of network connection. However, many people get confused between Ethernet and LAN.
If you are one of them and want to find the answer on “is Ethernet the same as Lan”, then read this article from start to end. This article will cover complete information and every detail about Ethernet and LAN with their major differences.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a connection technology connecting multiple devices in a WAN (Wide Area Network) or LAN (Local Area Network). It establishes a bridge between WAN and LAN to connect different devices like laptops with printers in houses, buildings, or colonies. Ethernet provides information on how to format or transmit the data so that devices can identify, receive and handle the information.
It is an encased wiring that works as a means of the data travels. Ethernet controls the process of transmitting the data through LAN. Compared with LAN technology, Ethernet can easily cover larger areas(geographically), and it is less vulnerable to disruptions. Furthermore, Ethernet also provides a higher degree of network control and security than other wired technology. Hence, Ethernet makes it hard for an outsider to enter the network.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethernet
Advantages
- Ethernet offers amazing speed, and users can easily get 10Gbps of internet speed.
- Ethernet connection provides top-notch security from third-party interference, hacking, etc.
- It establishes a reliable connection that means there will be no interruptions in the frequencies of the connection. (Ethernet is not as reliable as LAN)
- Some of the Ethernet cables require less power to work but give an excellent connection. That’s why Ethernet is a power-efficient technology.
Disadvantages
- There are some physical limitations in Ethernet because it requires connectivity at a specific place. Hence it offers less mobility.
- The installation procedure of Ethernet is quite complex and requires knowledge.
- Ethernet connection can only connect a single device at a time.
- Users have to spend extra money to expand the Ethernet connection.
What LAN?
The word LAN or Local Area Network works for the network connections in smaller areas. LAN is usually used for a room, building, or a little colony. Still, users can connect LAN to different LANs at a specific distance through radio waves and telephone lines.
In other words, A LAN is a socket used for connecting servers, video games, computers, laptops, etc., to the internet. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) are the opposite of LAN as they cover larger areas.
LAN networking needs ethernet cables with Layer 2 switches and devices that communicate and connect through an ethernet compared with ethernet. Most of the time, LANs require Layer 3 switches to streamline the traffic flows.
Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN
Advantages
- LAN offers amazing resource sharing like computers such as printers, modems, hard disks, scanners, and DVD-ROM drives.
- It provides a simple and cheap communication platform.
- It has appropriate data security and internet sharing (LAN can share an internet connection with all LAN users).
- Users can easily use the same software in different computers connected to the network rather than purchasing a separate license.
Disadvantages
- LAN has distance-related limitations.
- It is expensive to set up a LAN.
- In LAN, a server crash may impact all of the computers.
- It covers limited areas, so users have to spend more for covering huge areas.
Ethernet Vs. Lan: Comparison Table
| Factors | Ethernet | Lan |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Ethernet is named after Ether. | Local Area Network |
| Control | Ethernet’s control is decentralized. | Ethernet’s control is centralized. |
| Reliability | Ethernet is not as reliable as LAN. | LAN’s reliability is high. |
| Transmission path | Only wired | Wired and wireless |
| topology | bus and star | Bus, ring, and star |
| Types | Types of Ethernet:
|
Types of LAN
|
| Transmission limitation | There is a transmission limitation. | There is no transmission-related limitation. |
Conclusion
That’s it, folks! It was the complete information on the difference between Ethernet and LAN. This article revolves around answering on is ethernet the same as LAN. We hope you got every meticulous detail through our guide as we have considered everything about these technologies. In our opinion, the major difference is that the working function of ethernet is decentralized, but the working function of LAN is centralized.
If we consider the similarity between Ethernet and LAN, then the LAN protocols also work on the two layers (Physical and data-link) of OSI like Ethernet. Finally, if you find our article helpful, make sure to visit Linuxhint as we have a huge list of informative articles on different topics.
