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Are you also looking to understand the difference between LAN and Ethernet? In this article, we are going to explore some significant terms of both and find critical differences. Ethernet and LAN are both widely used technologies to connect the network. However, the concept of LAN became practical because of Ethernet. Both have some similarities but are still entirely different from each other. Ethernet does not have any centralized way of working, whereas the LAN uses its centralized path to function. To understand this more comprehensively, let’s start discussing these two.

What is LAN?

LAN refers to the Local Area Network and is used as the network connection for the short distance. Mainly, IT professionals use LAN for the buildings, rooms, and small offices. These LANs can also be connected with other LAN networks using radio waves. It can also be explained as the socket connecting devices like games, laptops, computers, and servers. However, access to the network requires using an Ethernet cable with two switches.

Advantages of LAN

Below are some significant advantages of using LAN, which you should know.

• LAN provides the resources sharing features such as printers, hard disk, and DVD drives.
• It is also an affordable network option that most users of the internet can access.
• The user also gets the option to secure their data and get an internet sharing feature.
• If the computers are connected with LAN, then these computers can access the same software.

Disadvantages of LAN

There are many disadvantages of using a LAN network as well; look below to understand.

• It can be used within a short distance, such as rooms and buildings.
• The user needs to get the expensive setup in the initial stage.
• If the server computer crashes, then it will also impact other devices.

What is An Ethernet Cable?

Ethernet cable or connection is the technology used to connect the multiple devices that come under LAN. Using Ethernet, the IT professional can also connect the devices in the WAN. Mainly it works as the bridge between the LAN and WAN to keep the network flow working. This technology can connect devices like computers, desktops, printers available in the buildings and even the colonies. It is the technique of wiring that allows data to travel from one place to another. LAN generally works in small areas, but Ethernet can also be used in large areas.

Advantages of Ethernet Cable

There are some advantages of Ethernet cable that you must know if you are interested in the IT field.

• In terms of speed, Ethernet is one of the best options as a user can get up to 10gbps speed.
• It also provides a high level of security from any third-party access and hacking.
• Ethernet connection can also be electricity efficient as some ethernet cables use less power compared to LAN.

Disadvantages of Ethernet Cable

In an Ethernet network connection, the user needs to use only a wired connection. And they do not get any advantage of mobility because it does not provide a wireless connection.

• It also required expert knowledge to set up the connection process for the first time.
• Ethernet can only give access to the network to only one device. Hence the user can not use Ethernet on multiple devices such as laptops and computers.
• If a user wants to scale up the connection, then they require to spend more cash.

LAN vs Ethernet Cable

Before we compare LAN vs. Ethernet in the table, we should also understand its some significant differences.

• LAN is a reliable technology and can work as a private network on a scale. But Ethernet is the technology that was established to connect the device with the network.
• The Ethernet network connection can only pass the data if it is unoccupied. If it is occupied, then data transmission will not happen. However, the LAN connection does not have this limitation. It can pass the data even if there are some occupied spaces.
• The LAN connection can be controlled in a centralized form. In contrast, Ethernet does not need a centralized way to control the connection.
• Ethernet can be used only in the wired form to connect the device with the network. But if the user used the LAN, then they have both wired and wireless network connection options.

Let’s compare the LAN vs. Ethernet in the tabular form to understand some more differences effectively.

	LAN	Ethernet
Meaning	LAN represents the short form of Local Area Network. And using it, IT professionals can connect the small area with the network.	Ethernet represents Ether and is commonly used to connect two or more devices.
Type Of Control	The control system of LAN is centralized and can be handled in one place.	Ethernet does not use any centralized way to control the network system.
Wired And Wireless	LAN provides both wired and wireless options to connect with the internet.	Ethernet can be connected with the device using wires only. And it does not give any wireless option to connect the device with the network.
Limitation In Transmission	It has minimal limitations in transmission because if the area is already occupied with the data, then the transmission can happen.	However, if an area is already occupied, the transmission will not happen until it becomes transparent.
Types Of LAN/Ethernet	It has types including cable-based, private brand exchange, and hierarchical LAN network.	Ethernet includes some types such as Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and gigabit Ethernet.
Reliability	LAN is more reliable than the Ethernet network connection option.	In contrast, Ethernet is less reliable than the LAN network.

Conclusion

So, in this article, we learned some significant differences between LAN vs Ethernet. Here, you learned that Ethernet and LAN could be ideal connection options depending on the user’s need. Moreover, the LAN can be controlled in a centralized way, but Ethernet can not be controlled in a centralized manner. Also, LAN is a more reliable and affordable option compared to Ethernet. Thus, I hope now you have learned the difference between Ethernet and LAN.

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