If you want to connect to the internet, you basically have two options. You can either connect with an old-fashioned, ethernet cable, or you can connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi. You may have heard that connecting with a wired, ethernet connection is superior, but you’ve also likely had a number of positive experiences with Wi-Fi.
So does connecting with a wired connection really make a difference?
The Benefits of a Wired Connection
If you’re looking for a quick and easy answer to the question, it’s yes: a wired connection is almost always superior to a Wi-Fi connection, assuming typical setups and circumstances. Right now, you might be asking yourself, “what internet cable do I need?” But realistically, almost any cable is going to offer advantages over a Wi-Fi router.
There are several reasons why this is the case.
- Greater data transmission speeds. Assuming the absolute best specs on both sides, the best Wi-Fi speed is capped at about 9.6 Gbps, while the best ethernet cable is capped at about 10.0 Gbps. In other words, the fastest ethernet cable is superior to the fastest Wi-Fi router in terms of total data transmission. This pattern holds down the line as well, with lower-level cables proving their superiority over lower-level Wi-Fi systems. It is possible for a Wi-Fi router to be faster than a cable, but this would require a sophisticated Wi-Fi router and/or a suboptimal cable.
- Lower latency. People also appreciate wired connections because of their lower latency. Latency is a measurement of how long it takes to receive a packet of information, regardless of how much information is contained within that packet. Lower latency means you’re getting information much faster, regardless of volume.
- Less interference. Also, cabled connections are much less susceptible to outside interference. Your Wi-Fi can be interrupted by physical obstacles, signal noise, and a number of other external circumstances, but with a cable, you generally don’t have to worry about any of these.
The Downsides of a Wired Connection
There are some downsides associated with wired connections, but they tend to be minor. The biggest issue is that connecting via cable physically tethers you to a single location. You won’t have nearly as much freedom of movement if you connect via ethernet cable. Plus, cables can get messy if you have too many of them. Another minor issue is that the cables themselves cost money, but even the best ethernet cables today cost only a few dollars.
Does It Really Make a Difference?
Does it really make a difference?
Ultimately, it depends on the application. As you’ve no doubt noticed, Wi-Fi is capable of sustaining high-definition video streams, streaming uploads, and comfortable gaming experiences for most people. That’s partially because modern internet and Wi-Fi technologies have become so sophisticated. But for some people and applications, a cable provides a meaningful difference.
When to Use a Wired Connection
When should you consider using a wired connection for your internet?
- Portability and movement aren’t of concern. If you know that you aren’t going to require any portability or mobility, you might as well adopt a wired connection. For example, if you mount a big TV on the wall and have no intention of moving it anytime soon, you should consider connecting it via cable, rather than exclusively to Wi-Fi.
- You need the lowest possible latency. You might also choose to use an Ethernet cable if you need the lowest possible latency for a given application. For example, latency can have a huge impact on your performance in video games. A ping of over 100 ms could render you unable to react to things in a timely manner, while a ping of under 20 ms would enable players with fast reaction times to prove their mettle in any showdown.
- You want to push your speed to the maximum. If you’re paying for the fastest tier of internet service, and you want to take full advantage of that service, consider using a wired connection. Modern Wi-Fi is incredibly fast, but it’s still slightly edged out by the best cables on the market. Note that for most applications, this upgrade won’t make a difference in terms of total data transfer speeds.
- Your router placement is suboptimal. If you don’t have a good place to put your router, and you have Wi-Fi connection issues throughout your building, a wired connection could be the right solution.
- You’re tired of dropped connections. You might also choose a wired connection if you’re tired of dropped connections. Wi-Fi can sometimes be frustrating.
Ultimately, a wired connection is superior to a Wi-Fi connection, at least in objective terms. However, these forms of connectivity are so close in terms of performance and advantages that, for most people, the advantages of Wi-Fi make it the preferred option. You’ll need to decide for yourself whether your priorities and preferences make a wired connection superior to a Wi-Fi connection.