Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Which is better?

Without a doubt, the world is leaning more towards embracing an era of wireless technology as they provide the flexibility and convenience of accessing internet from anywhere in the world. However, wired Ethernet connections still have many advantages over Wi-Fi. Let us review which provides a better and more reliable connection between Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Nowadays, users of technology need to stay connected at all times either through wireless or wired connectivity. Wi-Fi allows its users the convenience of moving around without being tethered to an Ethernet cable, while wired Ethernet connections give its users incredible speeds and reliability.

Often, many people would choose Wi-Fi over Ethernet connections as many consumers use smart devices that work wirelessly and connect to the internet. However, wired Ethernet connections still have a vital role to play. In this article, we shall look at the differences and similarities between Ethernet and Wi-Fi and help you decide which one offers better network connectivity.

What are the differences between Ethernet and Wi-Fi?

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi – How do they differ?

Speed

Based on the 802.11G standard, Wi-Fi had an initial theoretical speed of 54Mbps. However, now Wi-Fi offers a theoretical speed of up to 3200Mbps, thanks to its latest 802.11ac standard. As a result, mobile devices can easily connect to this connection and handle most of the basic tasks that require internet access.

On the other hand, wired Ethernet connections initially offered an initial speed of 100-1000Mbps and beyond. However, due to the advancement of technology, this type of connection can achieve a blistering transmission speed of up to 10Gbps, depending on the type of cable standard used. For instance, even the most standard cable used, Cat5e, offers a maximum transmission speed of 1Gbps.

Wired Ethernet connections are, therefore much faster than Wi-Fi.

Reliability

Generally, Ethernet connections are more stable and reliable than Wi-Fi networks. Ethernet network adapters offer more bandwidth than Wi-Fi network adapters, meaning there is more room for sufficient data transfer. As you plug the Ethernet cable into your PC, laptop, or gaming console, the connection does not drop until your disconnect the cable or your ISP goes down. Similarly, even if an Ethernet connection is overloaded with too many connected devices, the network will not be inconsistent.

Alternatively, Wi-Fi networks can face several disruptions that affect its performance, leading to unstable connections. When using Wi-Fi, it is common for connected devices to go out of range as they move further away from the router. More so, an overloaded Wi-Fi network is a rampant cause of frustration to its users as it causes sporadic connections.

Security

Being an open network, data flowing through Wi-Fi networks are prone to safety threats like cracking an encryption key and deauthenticating a device, which allows you access to the network. As a result, users have to constantly change their encryption key standards to keep their data safe. The most secure data encryption method is WPA2-PSK.

Wired Ethernet connections are also not absolutely safe, but they have more security measures put in place than wireless networks. Users can still open phishing emails, download malware or leave their devices unattended and vulnerable to the next hacker. However, if you ensure the firewall and security software of your Ethernet router is up to date and properly configures, you can safely access the internet.

Wired Ethernet connections are, therefore more secure than Wi-Fi connections.

Latency and interference

Also referred to as ping in the online gaming world, latency is the delay experienced when traffic flows from a device to a specific destination. If you enjoy online gaming and you do not want to experience irritating delays or lags, wired Ethernet connections are the ideal option. Yes, there might be other factors affecting latency along the way, but they are minimal compared to Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi signals are more prone to interference and obstructions from various consumer electronic devices, like microwave ovens, garage door openers, and cordless phones, among many others. As a result, users often experience dropped signals, lower transfer speeds, and greater latency.

Therefore, Ethernet has less latency and is less prone to interference than Wi-Fi networks.

Installation

As the name suggests, wired Ethernet connections require use to connect various Ethernet cables or cords for full performance. If not properly managed, these cables crisscross across the floor as they connect various devices to the internet, causing an unsightly scene. Wired networks are also quite expensive to purchase and install as they require a certain skill level to fix them to function correctly.

Alternatively, Wi-Fi does not require a physical connection to its connected devices. It features plug-and-play functionality, making it cheap to buy and install. More so, it can connect to an unlimited number of devices, depending on its range of coverage and available bandwidth.

Wi-Fi is, therefore, cheaper to purchase and install than Ethernet.

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi – A comparison review

Ethernet

Founded in 1973, Ethernet is a wired network that connects devices in a Local Area Network (LAN). Devices can share data over this wired network by using a router, an Ethernet cable, hub, and crossover cable. Users have to physically connect their devices into a router using an Ethernet cable.

There are different Ethernet cable standards available on the market. They type of cabling standard used determines the speed of your internet connection. Ethernet cable standards range from Cat5, which has a maximum data transmission speed of 100Mbps, to Cat7 that offers up to 10Gbps transmission speed.

Furthermore, some of the most recent Ethernet cables are backward compatible, meaning they can work with earlier cable standards. As a result, users combine different Ethernet cabling standards to share data at the speed of the upper limit of the lowest-rated cable.

Pros

• Reliable and consistent performance
• High data transfer speeds
• Less latency compared to wireless networks
• More secure than wireless networks
• Easy to troubleshoot

Cons

• Unsightly scene of wires crisscrossing the floor if not properly
• Expensive to purchase and install
• Not flexible as devices are tethered to one spot

 Wi-Fi

Officially introduced in 1999, Wi-Fi is the most popular type of connection in use today. It is a wireless network that allows connected devices to access the internet without any physical wiring. Wi-Fi is a trademark that refers to the IEEE standards of 802.11 for wireless LAN technology. Wi-Fi and wired connections works simultaneously to ensure connectivity to its users.

However, typical Wi-Fi networks are much slower than wired connections as they are more prone to disruptions from various obstacles and other devices producing radio waves. As a result, these disruptions degrade the quality and performance of the signal.

More so, Wi-Fi networks are far easier to breach than Ethernet connections, where you would need physical access to breach the network. However, users can employ various security software and encryptions to help secure their network.

Pros

• Convenient and flexible
• Available for mobile and portable devices
• Cheap to buy
• Easy to install
• Allows many devices to connect
• Most popular type of connection

Cons

• More susceptible to obstructions and electromagnetic interference
• Slower than wired connections
• More latency than Ethernet networks
• Less secure

Conclusion

Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections have their advantages and disadvantages. However, a combination of both types of connections is ideal in a smart home as there are various stationary devices that require access to the internet as well as portable devices.

Final verdict: Which one is better, Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi?

All factors considered, Ethernet connections are a better choice for those seeking fast data transmission speeds and more reliable internet connectivity. With this type of connection, you can also provide power to other devices, using power, and extend the range of other output devices, like HDMI. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ethernet connections slow down Wi-Fi?

Ethernet networks are not affected by Wi-Fi as connected devices are directly connected to the internet.

Should I switch off my Wi-Fi connection when using Ethernet?

When connected to a wired Ethernet connection, it is always advisable to disable your Wi-Fi as it can drain the battery of your connected device.