The Ethernet port located on the back of a Dish Network DVR is used to connect the DVR to your home network. Hooking up the DVR to your home network isn’t required to use the DVR. It’s purely an optional connection. However by connecting the DVR to your home network you gain access to a wider variety of service features such as DishONLINE. Having access to DishONLINE allows you to download movies onto the DVR, schedule DVR recording online as well perform other tasks. Writer Bio
