What Ethernet does
Ethernet carries local network traffic over a wired link. A device connected by Ethernet still uses the same router and internet service unless the network is designed otherwise.
Ethernet switches
A switch adds local wired ports and forwards frames among connected devices. In a typical home, the router remains the gateway while the switch expands the LAN.
Cable category
Category ratings describe cable performance specifications, but installed link speed also depends on length, connectors, termination quality, network interfaces and switch/router ports. Buying the highest-number category is not automatically useful.
Wired backhaul
Using Ethernet between Wi‑Fi access points or mesh nodes can free wireless airtime that would otherwise carry both client traffic and backhaul traffic.
Where wired makes sense
Desktops, TVs, consoles, NAS devices and access points that stay in one place are common candidates for Ethernet, especially when reliable high throughput matters.