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Home > Tech Hub > WiFi or Ethernet? Choosing the best connection for you
WiFi or Ethernet? Choosing the best connection for you
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A stable internet connection is a necessity. Whether you are working from home, attending virtual classes, gaming, streaming, or just browsing, the quality of your connection affects everything. But one question often comes up: 

 

Should you use WiFi or Ethernet?

 

An illustration on whether to use WiFi or ethernet

 

Both have their strengths and trade-offs. Let’s break it down in clear, simple terms so you can choose what works best for your needs.

 

What is WiFi?

 

WiFi connects your devices to the internet wirelessly. It uses radio signals to communicate between your devices and your router, making it convenient and flexible. 


Here’s a read on WiFi basics and how it works.
 

An illustration on what is WiFi

 

A check icon Pros of WiFi:

 

  • Convenience: Stay connected while moving freely around your home or office.
  • No cables required: Reduces clutter and makes setup easier.
  • Supports multiple devices: Easily connect various gadgets at once. 


An x icon Cons of WiFi:

 

  • Less reliable: Signals can drop, especially during peak usage or in large homes with many walls.
  • Slower speeds: The more devices connected, the more the speed gets divided.
  • Vulnerable to interference: Microwaves, Bluetooth® devices, and even your neighbor’s WiFi can affect signal quality. 


Diagnostic icon Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

 

 

What is Ethernet?

 

Ethernet connects your device directly to the router using a physical cable. While it may seem old school, it’s still the gold standard when it comes to speed, reliability, and consistency.

 

An illustration of what is ethernet

 

A check icon Pros of Ethernet:

 

  • Faster speeds: Ideal for activities like large downloads, online gaming, and video conferencing.
  • Highly reliable: Offers a stable connection that is not affected by walls or wireless interference.
  • Lower latency: Reduces lag and delays, which makes it great for real-time activities.
  • Better security: Harder to hack or intercept those wireless signals.

 

An x icon Cons of Ethernet:

 

  • Limited mobility: You’re tethered to one spot.
  • Cable clutter: Running wires across rooms can be messy and inconvenient.
  • Device limitations: Phones and tablets don’t typically support ethernet without special adapters.

 

Diagnostic icon Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

 

  • If ethernet is connected but there’s no internet, try the following:
    • Restart your modem and router.
    • Check the cable connections
    • Try another port or cable
    • Ensure network settings are correct 
  • If speeds are slow, the issue may be an old ethernet cable, router congestion, background downloads, or internet provider limits. Run a speed test and update the hardware, if needed.
  • Ethernet speed also depends on the type of cable used. Cat5e is the minimum standard today, but for gigabit speeds or future proofing, consider Cat6 or Cat6a cables. These support higher bandwidth.

 

Which one should you use?

 

Your choice depends on how and where you use the internet. Here’s a quick guide:

 

An illustration of a home For working from home or online classes

 

Ethernet is better for video calls, virtual meetings, and uploading documents. It gives a stable connection with fewer disruptions.

 

Gaming icon For gamers


For online gaming, stick to ethernet. It gives you a faster and more stable connection. You will be less likely to experience lag, delays, or sudden disconnections. Even a small delay called latency, or ping, can affect your reaction time, especially in fast-paced games.

 

An illustration of internet browsing For casual browsing and streaming


WiFi is usually enough for watching streaming platforms, scrolling on social media, or sending emails, especially if your router is close.
    

An illustration of a smart home For smart homes

 

WiFi is a must for connecting smart devices like speakers, lights, security cameras, thermostats, and appliances. Using ethernet for all these devices isn’t practical. Imagine all the wiring you’d have to set up throughout your home just to keep everything connected to the router.

 

Can I use both?

 

Absolutely! Many people use a combination of WiFi and ethernet. For example, your computers or gaming console can be plugged in with ethernet, while your phone and tablet stay connected via WiFi.

 

WiFi and ethernet each have their place. WiFi gives you freedom and flexibility, while ethernet is about speed and stability. You don’t have to choose one over the other. Just pick the right tool for the right task.

 

So next time your video call is lagging, or our game is glitching, consider switching to ethernet. But for everyday convenience? WiFi has got you covered.

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