WiFi vs ethernet network cable what is the best option?
Basically, there are two ways to connect to the Internet, via WiFi or via ethernet network cable. At least, they are the two main options in desktops and laptops, leaving the wireless mode for mobile phones or tablets. However, it is worth analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each in this comparison of types of Internet connection between WiFi vs ethernet network cable.
WiFi networks have become a regular in our homes, workplaces and places of leisure. However, the wireless connection is not the most appropriate in all cases despite the arrival of new WiFi standards that significantly improve performance. Therefore, we will compare the cable with the wireless connection to see advantages and disadvantages of each.
indirect fiber optic
WiFi vs ethernet network cable
Using ethernet network cable is much faster than using a WiFi connection. So clear and direct. According to the study conducted by ADSLZone, WiFi makes you lose 65% of your average connection. The average of the connections of 100 Mbps is about 36 Mbps real, in the case of 200 Mbps, the average is usually around 100 Mbps. And that the new WiFi standards, such as 802.11ac, offer maximum speeds per band of 866.7 Mb / s. Obviously, we talk about theoretical maximum speeds, since there are many aspects that compromise the WiFi performance:
Interference, distance and obstacles: all these factors compromise the performance of the connection and make it worse. For example, the existence of electromagnetic waves from other devices, such as cordless phones and other household appliances, can damage the connection. Also the distance, since it will not yield equal to 10 meters from the router than at 50 meters. And finally, the obstacles. The walls, depending on their material, can attenuate the signal somewhat or much.
Channels and saturation: The channel used by the WiFi connection can be shared by the connections of other neighbors. This saturation impoverishes performance, so it is always recommended to find the most optimal channel possible.
Wi-Fi Analyzer - Choose better channel
For its part, the cable can offer 10 Gb / s without problems with the use of the Cat.6 standard. But the thing do not ends there. A few months ago we met the first Cat.8 ethernet cable with support for speeds of 40 Gbps. But even with Cat.5e cables, we have 1 Gb / s without problem. In addition,cable internet companies
When to use WiFi and when to use ethernet network cable?
Now it's time to decide when each type of cable is most suitable. Whenever we can, we will use the cable, but there are certain devices that do not allow it. Here we talk about smartphones or tablets, which are out of the debate. The issue focuses on laptops, desktops and other types of network equipment.
If we want to transfer files at maximum speed between devices, the ethernet network cable will be the most appropriate. Here the speed that we have contracted to access the Internet is not important, so we will look for the maximum performance of the cable. There are several examples where the use of the cable is the most appropriate:
NAS servers or shared hard drives for the home.
Streaming servers like Plex or Kodi where we want the highest image quality (even 4K) with the most stable performance possible.
Obviously, mobility will mark the needs. If we work with a laptop and we are constantly changing location within WiFi coverage, we can not tie ourselves to a cable that forces us to stay in the same place. In the case of desktop computers is different, because although they can have a wireless card, it is only recommended when we can not take the ethernet network cable to the computer.
And online games?
The latency of connections is another important factor. This marks the time (in ms) it takes for traffic to arrive from the device to your destination server. When surfing the Internet does not usually make a difference, but it is especially noticeable in other online activities such as video games.
If reducing latency to the maximum is your obsession so that lag or delay does not affect your online games, the best solution is to use the ethernet network cable. In good condition, a quality WiFi connection can work, but we do not ensure that 100% performance that only the cable is capable of offering.
However, as we have already mentioned, there are other online activities in which latency does not play a fundamental role. Beyond browsing, we will not notice much difference with streaming music or video. Of course, as long as we have good speed and a stable connection, WiFi can be used without problems.
