Why do some recievers save ethernet ports?

[JAMBOliam]

hi guys

I know this might seem a stupid question but ive just noticed on the back of my t ewest box a ethernet port, and also saw it on some satellite recievers, obviously this would connect it to a network but what is its purpose? i mean, does it help the picture of the amount of channels the reciever finds?

please explain!

[rolfw]

Sorry no cable discussion.