Ethernet

7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for Ethernet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The standard system for connecting computers and other equipment to a network using cables, and the family of technical rules that govern how data travels along them.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

wired networking LAN cabling cabled network network cable patch cable LAN cable RJ45 cable

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

The standard system for connecting computers and other equipment to a network using cables, and the family of technical rules that govern how data travels along them.

“The office is wired for Ethernet in every room.”

wired networking LAN cabling cabled network

Opposites

Wi-Fi wireless networking

2. noun

A cable or socket of this type, as used to plug a device directly into a router or wall port.

“I plugged the console into Ethernet because the Wi-Fi kept stuttering.”

network cable patch cable LAN cable RJ45 cable

How to use Ethernet

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

Ethernet cable Ethernet port Gigabit Ethernet plug into Ethernet Ethernet switch

Standard technical term used freely by non-specialists. Conventionally capitalised.

Etymology

From ether, the substance once thought to fill space and carry light waves, plus the suffix -net for network.

Full origin of Ethernet →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Ethernet and Wi-Fi?

Ethernet carries data along a physical cable between a device and a router or switch. Wi-Fi carries the same kind of data over radio, with no cable. Because a cable is not shared with neighbouring devices and is not affected by walls or interference, an Ethernet connection is generally more consistent than a wireless one.

Is Ethernet the same as the internet?

No. Ethernet is a way of connecting devices to a local network, typically within one building. The internet is the worldwide network beyond that. An Ethernet cable is often how a computer reaches the router that in turn reaches the internet.

What do Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat7 mean?

They are categories of Ethernet cable, each specified to carry data at particular speeds over particular distances. A higher category number generally indicates a cable built to a stricter specification.

People also searched

Wi-Fi

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of Ethernet