Ethernet vs Wi-Fi: Which One is Better?

What is an Ethernet Connection?

An ethernet connection is created by attaching a specific cable (typically, Cat5e or Cat6e) to a machine that has ethernet ports. Multiple devices connected with ethernet cables form a Local Area Network (LAN) and can interact with each other through that method.

While LAN isn’t as popular or as useful anymore, it used to be widely used in confined spaces to deliver data and perform other actions quickly. LAN is still beneficial in some use cases, although regular internet users will rarely take advantage of all of the features.

Wired connections in general are more difficult to implement since they heavily restrict device mobility. Mobile devices, for example, lack ports for wired connections as using ethernet cables would defeat a major benefit of the device.

These drawbacks do come with some benefits, however. Primarily, it’s faster internet speeds and a more consistently solid connection to the internet. A wired ethernet connection will usually be faster than an identical wireless connection while also offering better stability.

The reasons are simple – ethernet cables are not subject to signal degradation or interference and they are also additionally shielded from EMI. As long as the cable itself is not harmed, no degradation will occur on a physical level, although if the Internet Service Provider experiences technical issues, then the connection will falter as well.

Additionally, ethernet cables provide a direct path from device to device, reducing overall signal latency.

Due to all these and many more reasons, an ethernet connection is preferred where reliability and maximum speeds are preferred such as service infrastructure, streaming, or even gaming.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi (or Wireless Fidelity) is a way to connect devices to the internet without using ethernet cables on each one. In most cases, the Wireless Access Point (WAP) will be using an ethernet cable for its own internet connection.

There are exceptions to this such as when several WAPs are communicating with each other, although at least one needs to have an ethernet connection.

Once a connection is established, the WAP uses radio waves to transmit signals to other devices. These signals are based on a specific standard so that all devices with Wi-Fi capabilities may connect to the WAP.

There’s a few more stages to connecting to wireless networks, but most of them happen on the software layer (such as the establishing of an SSID and exchange of security credentials).

One of the greatest benefits that Wi-Fi provides is the ability to connect multiple devices wirelessly. Such flexibility made the technology explode in popularity and it’s now in almost every home, restaurant, and office building in existence.

There are some drawbacks to Wi-Fi, however. First, it’s not as reliable as a wired ethernet connection as radio waves tend to get interfered with and experience degradation, especially when they have to go through solid objects.

Part of the issue is fixed by implementing repeaters and signal boosters, but the issue always remains. Additionally, the WAP shares the same bandwidth with all devices at once. So, if you have dozens of mobile devices connected to the same access point, internet speed will be significantly downgraded.

Ethernet vs Wi-Fi: Differences

In general, ethernet is the all-round better way to connect to the internet with the major drawback being that all devices need cables. As such, for cases where you don’t need to squeeze out the maximum speed and reliability, Wi-Fi is the easier choice.

So, when considering ethernet vs Wi-Fi, the primary aspect is whether you absolutely need all the reliability, security, and slightly better speed that ethernet provides. If you’re just planning to use the internet for regular home activities, there’s no reason to use ethernet cabling.

On the other hand, if your machines run important services, you intend to play highly competitive games, or perform other activities where even a second of downtime could be impactful, ethernet is the only choice.