Ethernet is a wired network technology that transmits data between local and wide area networks using protocols. It provides high-speed, secure data transmission. There are different types including Fast Ethernet for personal connections up to 100 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet from 1000 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Ethernet operates in the physical and data link layers using MAC addresses and frames to transmit packets between sender and receiver systems while checking for errors. It has advantages like low cost and high security but disadvantages as unsuitable for long distances or real-time applications. Ethernet uses wired connections for shorter distance networks versus Internet's wireless global connections.