For example, if you are connecting your cellphone or tablet to the Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop, then you are using the internet without Ethernet. Another example of using internet without Ethernet is public Wi-Fi hotspots. If you are only using one device at your location, then technically, you do not have a LAN since a LAN consists of at least two devices. Using internet without EthernetĬan you connect to a Wide Area Network (internet) without first connecting to a Local Area Network (Ethernet)? Sure. For businesses wanting to collaborate across multiple locations, a WAN is essential, according to Biztech. Without a WAN, information can only travel within the local area network (LAN), such as in one office. Put another way, “a wide area network (WAN) connection allows devices to connect over a wide geographic area without utilizing public internet.

Now, what if another office location opens across town, and both offices need to communicate with each other? This is where the Wide Area Network, i.e. There is a second case: When a PC connects to wired network of a router at first, it will use Network as its Local Area Connection‘ s network name automatically, no matter what wireless network name the router has. Keeping with our office example, say we have a single office location that is using a LAN. So it will use the 2.4GHz wireless network name it saved before as its Local Area Connection’s Network Name. Using Ethernet and internet at the same time Without sending us the right ethernet adaptor address, the computer. This set-up might be useful in a situation where security is paramount, such as a small office where you want computers, printers and other accessories to transfer data between each other, but without using the internet. The user can add one or more local area networks (LANs) to which the system establishes a connection. While installing Windows on a machine, the system itself assigns a local area connection to network adapter. It is a feature of the Windows Operation System, which introduced the specific term. It is possible to have a connected system in which your devices can communicate with each other, but not with the broader internet. Local Area Connections refers to a connection established to access Internet service. Star All devices are connected to a central piece of hardware known as hub. However, you can also use Ethernet WITHOUT internet, and vice versa. So, to dive a little deeper, it’s important to understand that you CAN use Ethernet and internet at the same time. This is probably why the terms are often confused.

When greater connectivity is more essential than speed and securityīy now, you might have noticed that there is some crossover in Ethernet and internet usage.

When using Wi-Fi across locations is a must, such as sending data between tablets or laptops that are in different locations.

When you need more connectivity between more than one physical location.

Local area connection vs ethernet