Networking

Difference Between Ethernet and WiFi

Ethernet vs WiFi

Summary: Difference Between Ethernet and WiFi is that Ethernet is a network standard that specifies no central computer or device on the network (nodes) should control when data can be transmitted; that is, each node attempts to transmit data when it determines the network is able to receive communications. While Wi-Fi uses techniques similar to the Ethernet standard to specify how physically to configure a wireless network. Most of today’s computers and many mobile devices, such as smart phones and handheld game consoles, are Wi-Fi enabled.

Difference Between Ethernet and WiFi

Ethernet

Ethernet is a network standard that specifies no central computer or device on the network (nodes) should control when data can be transmitted; that is, each node attempts to transmit data when it determines the network is able to receive communications. If two computers on an Ethernet network attempt to send data at the same time, a collision occurs, and the computers must attempt to send their messages again.

Ethernet is based on a bus topology, but Ethernet networks can be wired in a star pattern. The Ethernet standard defines guidelines for the physical configuration of the network, e.g., cabling, network cards, and nodes. Today, Ethernet is the most popular LAN standard because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install and maintain. Ethernet networks often use cables to transmit data.

WiFi

Computers and devices that have the appropriate wireless capability can communicate via radio waves with other computers or devices using Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), which identifies any network based on the 802.11 standards. Developed by IEEE, 802.11 is a series of network standards that specifies how two wireless devices communicate over the air with each other. Wi-Fi uses techniques similar to the Ethernet standard to specify how physically to configure a wireless network. Most of today’s computers and many mobile devices, such as smart phones and handheld game consoles, are Wi-Fi enabled.

One popular use of the Wi-Fi standard is in hotspots that offer mobile user’s the ability to connect to the Internet with their Wi-Fi enabled wireless computers and devices. Many homes and small businesses also use Wi-Fi to network computers and devices together wirelessly.

Also Read:

Difference Between Ethernet and LAN

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Difference Between TCP/IP and Ethernet

Difference Between TCP/IP and HTTP

Difference Between LAN and WAN

Difference Between Computer and Laptop

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