What is Ethernet Port? Types and Application

There are a lot of mobile users in today’s world which overall decreases the speed and performance of the internet. Thus, the majority of the users feed up to use broadband providers.

All the broadband provides uses an ethernet cable and a wifi router with an ethernet port to create a virtual wifi network.

But here, in this post, we are going to discuss only about the ethernet port. We try to depict the types of ethernet port along with its properties and connection problem.

So, let’s begin.

What is Ethernet Port?

An Ethernet port is just like a hook-up switch where ethernet cable is attached. These ports are also called to be ‘jack’ or ‘socket’.

While defining its main purpose, an ethernet port is used to conjoin the system (whether a pc or router) to the internet service via ethernet cable. However, while inbreeding the connection network, without ethernet ports, it can’t be achieved.

Thus, the network to which these ports can attach will be an Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), or Wide Area Network (WAN).

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Devices that have an Ethernet Port

As we already mention, they are an unforgettable part of any network. And in a network, they are used to connect devices such as:

Computers
Servers
Switches (join multiple computers within one LAN)
Hubs (joins multiple ethernet devices together)
Routers
Modems
Gaming consoles
Printers
So on…

Types of Ethernet Port

While depicting the types of ethernet ports that are commonly used in the majority of networks are the RJ25 port.

But there are also other ports that can be wired to provide high-speed internet which differs by the architectural and data rates. However, for chronological information, let’s begin with the RJ25 port itself.

RJ45 Port

RJ45 ports are the most common type of Ethernet switch port that can be used in connecting the data centers server, LANs, desktop, laptops, etc. They are also the common choice for broadband providers.

To connect to an RJ45 port, there are four types of cables such as cat5, cat5e, cat6, and cat6e.

SFP Port

In terms of speed, SFP Port (mini-GBIC port) greed-up to 4Gb/sec of speed. They are small-sized and generally used to provide fiber ethernet connection over longer distances.

SFP+ Port

The ‘+’ sign indicates the enhanced version of SFP port. With this port, the optimum speed reaches up to 10Gb/sec. However, this ethernet port is only used to connect via SFP optics and you can’t connect a gigabit cable as it cannot be operable at speed less than 1Gb/sec.

SFP28 Port

It is the enhanced version of the SEP+ port and shares almost the same hardware. But with this ethernet port, a top speed 25Gb/sec can be achieved. Moreover, they are designed very efficiently to make the transferring process more energy-efficient. They are generally used in next-generation data server networks.

Apart from these four types, there are two more ethernet switch ports i.e. QSFP+ Port and QSFP28 Port, which are not commonly used.

How Does An Ethernet Port Function?

Ethernet ports, majorly, are solded inside a device to a NIC of the system. NIC (Network Interface Controller or Network Interface Card) is a hardware component of a computer that is used to connect the system to the network.

These NICs act as the bridge between the connection of ethernet ports and the systems. Though the ethernet port has a universal design but these NIC chips are designed on the basis of their application and differ by the brand of the computer.

Connecting An Ethernet Port

In this section, we are going to highlight two major areas where ethernet ports are useful, and how you can easily identify and connect your device to the wired internet.

Ethernet Ports on Computers

Generally, Ethernet ports are present in both laptop and desktop computers. They are directly attached to the motherboard.

In desktop computers, they are present in the back panel of your CPU cabinet. And in the laptop, they are present on the sides. However, some low-end motherboards have internet ports with low quality, in those cases, one needs to install separate ethernet cards.

Moreover, most of the new light-themed laptops don’t comprise an ethernet port to make the edges thin. In Spite of the absence of an internet port, one needs an adapter that converts an RJ45 port into a required accessible port such as Type-C or USB port.

Fixing Ethernet Port Issues of Computer

While connecting your computer to a wired internet cable, one could encounter numerous problems, so these are the solution to them.

Try to Restart Computer

The rule of thumb is, “if your computer system is held with any error or problem, you first reboot your system”. Rebooting majorly solves the majority of problems related to the drivers.

Check for Physical Breakdown

Disruption in the signal due to physical damage of the internal port, jack header, or ethernet cable itself.

So, be sure that your connection from the broadband provider is without any breakdown circuitry.

You can also try to unplug and replug the ethernet cable to the port. And while replugging make sure it fits properly with a ‘click’ sound. Moreover, be sure the port is properly clean before plugging the cable.

Missing Drivers or Corrupted Drivers

These mostly occur when you have just installed a new operating system or connecting your computer for the first time to the LAN network.

To get rid of these problems, you can use the troubleshooting functionality of the windows. Even if it doesn’t get resolved, you can also install DriverEasy, a utility that can give you a very flexible approach to install missing and corrupted drivers.

Misalignment of Network Card

Sometimes, when the CPU cabinet is moved, the network card may fall from their respective slot. They are generally seen when the tightening screws get loosened.

So, if your pc is not connecting via ethernet cable and you recently moved it, checking the CPU cabinet may save your time and money in calling the technician.

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Ethernet Ports on Routers

Routers are the gateway to provide direct network data using packets. These routers are used to connect the various systems locally via either Wi-Fi or ethernet cable.

In the majority of routers, there are two types of ethernet port i.e. one is the input internet port (usually of red or yellow in color) from your broadband provider and the other is the output port for your local pc or laptop. So, make sure you connect the broadband provider cable in the right slot.

With this, our article ends here, but these are some of the frequently asked questions by the users on google.

General FAQ

What is an Ethernet used for?

In general, an ethernet port is used to conjoin the internet service provider to a system via wired ethernet cable. They have a jack header that connects to the ethernet port of the system.

Why is my Ethernet Port not working?

Your ethernet port is not working due to physical cable disruption, your computer has missing internet drivers, corrupted drivers, faulty driver cards, carboned deposited pins, misalignment of the network card.

Is the LAN port the same as Ethernet?

Yes, both are the same. A LAN port is the other name of Ethernet port.

Before going back, have a look at other informative articles in the computer science and information technology category.