The same difference as between a USB and mini-stereo connector. Two different animals. Ethernet cables/plugs/jacks are one thing, HDMI another. This one has HDMI male connectors at both ends, to connect an HDMI output to input (and vice versa). Anything involving a typical ethernet input/connector - e.g., RJ45 - needs a cable/connector for ethernet connectors. This is for HDMI to HDMI.