If you’ve ever helped set up your office network or asked your IT team about a connection issue, you’ve probably heard the terms Ethernet and internet used interchangeably. Both are critical to how your business stays connected, but they’re not the same thing – and mixing them up can make it harder to choose the right services or troubleshoot network problems.
Let’s clear things up by comparing Ethernet vs internet. Read on to learn what sets these solutions apart, how they work together, and what they both mean for your business network.
The internet is the network that connects millions of computers, devices, and servers across the world. It lets users access websites, cloud platforms, send emails, stream videos, and collaborate from just about anywhere.
For businesses, the internet is how you stay connected to your customers, staff, partners, and vendors. It’s what makes tools like cloud applications, VoIP systems, and video conferencing possible.
Most companies connect to the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which delivers service plans measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Common internet types are:
No matter the type, the internet is your business’s link to the outside digital world.
Ethernet is what keeps your organization’s internal network running. It’s the local area network (LAN) technology that connects end-user devices like computers, printers, and VoIP phones within your office or data center.
Ethernet uses physical cables, switches, and routers to link your equipment. As a result, it offers faster speeds, greater security, and more reliable performance, which are all important for supporting tasks like large file transfers and real-time collaboration.
Put simply, Ethernet is what lets your internal devices communicate with each other.
Even though the terms often appear together, the Internet and Ethernet serve different purposes. Here’s a quick look at their biggest differences:
Ethernet keeps your internal network connected by linking computers, printers, and servers within your office or campus. The internet extends that connection to the outside world so that your teams can access cloud platforms, websites, and remote systems from anywhere.
While Ethernet uses physical cables to create a direct, reliable link between your devices, the internet comes from an ISP via fiber, cable, or wireless connections. Ethernet gives you local control, while internet access depends on your provider’s network.
Ethernet handles your in-office or on-site communication, like file sharing, VoIP phones, and local servers. The internet connects your business to external services like email, cloud software, etc.
Ethernet connections typically deliver faster and more stable speeds because they’re not affected by shared traffic or wireless interference. Internet speeds vary depending on your ISP, bandwidth plan, and network congestion.
Ethernet is secure because it operates on a closed, private network that’s isolated from public internet traffic. The internet connects to a global network, which makes firewalls, encryption, and other security tools essential for protecting data.
Ethernet networks are configured and managed internally, often by your IT team. Internet services are managed by your ISP, which handles the wider network configuration and performance monitoring.
So, what’s the difference between an Ethernet cable vs internet cable?
This question comes up a lot, and it’s an easy one to clear up. There’s technically no such thing as an “internet cable.” When people use that term, they’re usually talking about an Ethernet cable, which connects a device to your modem or router so it can access the internet.
Ethernet cables come in different categories (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7), each supporting different speeds and performance levels. For most modern businesses using fiber internet or VoIP, Cat6 or higher cables are the best choice for reliability and performance.
Still not sure how Ethernet and internet fit into a business environment? Here are some example scenarios:
Many retail chains use Ethernet to connect point-of-sale systems for stable performance, while the internet connects those systems to cloud-based payment and inventory platforms.
Law firm staff often use Ethernet to access shared case files stored on local servers, and the internet keeps attorneys connected to clients through email and video meetings.
Manufacturing facilities usually use Ethernet to connect machinery and sensors on the production floor, while the internet transmits performance data and analytics to headquarters.
Your business likely uses both Ethernet and internet every day, since they’re part of the same system.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
In this setup, Ethernet handles the internal connection between devices and your router. The internet is what those devices access once they’re connected.
Wi-Fi offers a lot of flexibility for business connectivity, but Ethernet still has its place in any network. You should consider using Ethernet when:
Many organizations opt for a hybrid network, where employee workstations are connected via Ethernet and mobile devices use Wi-Fi. This gives you the best of both worlds: performance and convenience.
Strong business connectivity depends on both the internet and Ethernet working seamlessly. The internet keeps your organization connected to the world, and Ethernet keeps everything inside your network running with the speed and stability your daily operations depend on.
At Fatbeam, we deliver high-performance fiber internet and support for advanced Ethernet networking across business locations. Whether you’re upgrading infrastructure, connecting remote offices, or optimizing internal traffic flow, our team can help you build a foundation for reliable communication and growth.
Let’s talk about how we can optimize your internet and Ethernet strategy. Contact us today to get started.