LAN vs. Ethernet — What's the Difference?

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building. Ethernet, on the other hand, is a specific networking technology used to transmit data over a LAN. It is defined by a set of standards and protocols for network communications.

While LAN is a broad term that refers to the interconnection of a group of computers in a limited area, Ethernet describes how data is actually transmitted across this network. Ethernet uses protocols from the IEEE 802.3 standard for communication, ensuring devices can communicate efficiently. LANs can use Ethernet as their transmission method, but they can also use other technologies such as Wi-Fi or token ring.

Every LAN is characterized by its smaller geographic range and is typically confined to a single building or a group of buildings. Ethernet is used within many LANs due to its speed, reliability, and the fact that it’s well-standardized, making it a common choice for network administrators. LANs facilitate the sharing of resources, data, and applications, and Ethernet is a vehicle that often drives this digital traffic.

Though Ethernet is a common way to implement a LAN, it is not the only way. A LAN can be set up with various technologies including Wi-Fi, while Ethernet networks can extend beyond a traditional LAN setup using technologies like Metro Ethernet, which can connect multiple LANs across a metropolitan area. Despite these variations, Ethernet remains synonymous with wired LAN networks due to its widespread adoption and historical significance.