Wifi Vs Ethernet – Which is the better choice for streaming?
fi vs With streaming becoming more popular than cable TV, the need for fast internet and bandwidth a priority more than ever. Take a look as we compare the two main forms of internet connectivity today: wireless (Wi-Fi) and wired (Ethernet) connection.
From YouTube to Netflix, the world today has been turned into a streaming hub. And for many of us, this is great. Streaming offers better quality, even 4K, which is not offered by cable TV. It is also easier to tailor a streaming service to your exact needs which makes it overall a much better form of entertainment. In addition, streaming has also made it possible for people in different continents to communicate, play online games and more. But for all these to be made possible, you need a high speed internet connection. This can either be wirelessly or through a cable known as an Ethernet cable. However, it is important to note that not all devices offer wireless connectivity. The section below shows different devices.
Table of Contents
Wireless Networking Devices
Many wireless devices also support wired connectivity. However, exclusively wired devices do not support wireless communication, also known as Wi-Fi. Today, almost all our personal gadgets support Wi-Fi from smart TVs, refrigerators, smart phones and laptops. These gadgets connect to your router or modem-router through an IP address that connects to the internet service provider. Data is transferred through packets at a certain rate that depends on your internet plan. The rate of transfer of these packets is referred to as bandwidth and is measured in megabits or gigabits per second (Mbps). The following networking devices support wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi)
Routers
One of the most widely used networking devices today is the router. A router is used for transmission of data within a network by the different connected devices. They provide seamless connection throughout and offer both wireless and wired connectivity. On top of this, routers are used to provide internet connection over relatively long distances. When it comes to wired connections, routers are usually equipped with different types of ports with the main one being LAN Ethernet Ports. Wireless connectivity are made possible by WPS and WLAN. This is the main reason they are used in homes, schools, restaurants and more. Lastly, work by finding the shortest routes and using them to send and receive data packets. There are also different types of routers today including: regular routers, mesh routers and Wi-Fi extenders. They use similar working principle but differ in functionality.
Regular routers are what we use every day in our homes and offices and simply provide Wi-Fi. Mesh routers on the other hand are sold as a pack of routers and work to eliminate dead zones is spacious areas. Lastly, we have extenders that are added to your regular router to increase range and area of coverage.The following is an example of a great router for streaming you can buy today.
TP Link Archer C2300
- Powerful 1.8GHz dual core processor leading edge 1.8GHz dual core 64 bit CPU with 2 co processors and...
- Faster Wi Fi enjoy 4K video and play online games simultaneously with ultra fast 802.11AC Wave 2 MU MIMO...
For seamless streaming, two factors have to be considered most: the speed of the router and the coverage range. We picked the TP Link C2300 because it checks both boxes perfectly while still being affordable enough for many customers. First the router is a powerful unit powered by a 1.8 GHz dual core processor. With this powerful chipset, the unit is rated at a speed of 2300 Mbps. It is however important to note that this is purely theoretical – under unachievable ideal conditions. In the real world, this speed translates to about 936 Mbps which is more than enough for high quality streaming, even 4K, for multiple users. This speed was recorded 15 feet away from the unit. At 50 feet, the bandwidth jumped to 913 Mbps making it one of the best midrange routers today. Increasing the range further to 100 and 150 feet, the C2300 supplied speeds of 613 Mbps and 342 Mbps respectively. There are also performance boosting features such as MUMIMO for multiple users and beamforming for seamless streaming. By our estimation, it is probably the best choice for gaming, skype meetings and streaming your favorites Netflix show in full HD.
Furthermore, the C2300 features a lovely and unique design that will always fetch you some compliments among friends. It is a gorgeous black piece of hardware with a rectangular thick shape. The thickness is due to the cooling sink below the surface that keeps this beast cool at all times. There are three protruding detachable antenna prongs attached to the back for richer connection. In addition, there seven ports: 1 WAN, 4 LAN, 1 USB 2.0 and 1 USB 3.0.
Wired Networking Devices
There are few devices today that solely work with wired or Ethernet connections. Among the most popular still in use today is a modem. The following section shows what it is and highlights some of the best ones in the market today.
Modem
A modem is used to connect to the router from the internet service provider. It is mainly used when using a cable internet provider rather than DSL of fiber optic cable. Modems are connected to the ISP via a coaxial cable. Usually, modems are issued by the ISP and the user pays for them, like renting. Because of this many customers realize that it is cheaper to have their own modem in the long run instead of renting. Plus, once you have your own modem, you can use it even when you move into a new house.
In addition, modems usually do not support wireless communication or Wi-Fi. And this is because their functionality only requires a wired Ethernet connection to the router. However today, companies have started making modem-routers which are hybrid devices that perform both modem and router functionalities. Modems usually have one or two ports where one connects the router, and the other to a home device such as laptops or game consoles. By connecting your laptop to the modem, you get super high speed excellent for streaming, video calls and more. The following is great example of a modem today.
Netgear CM500 Cable Modem
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM500 replaces your cable modem, saving you up to $168/yr in equipment...
- Speeds by carrier: Spectrum (up to 400Mbps), Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).
The Netgear CM500 works seamlessly and provides a speed of up to 300 Mbps. This is more than enough for many internet users out there. However, if your internet plan is of a higher speed, consider buying a faster modem. One of the reasons this modem stands out is its reasonable and affordable price. The modem also comes with a one year warranty and is available on online stores and at your closest dealer. Another great feature of the Netgear CM500 is the wide range of compatibility with different internet service providers. The unit is relatively large and measures 7.3 x 4.9 x 2.4 inches. It also comes with 16 down channels and 4 up channels. The following cables are also supported by the modem: Comcast, coaxial and spectrum cable.
Model |
TP Link Archer C2300 |
Netgear CM500 Cable Modem |
Device type |
Router |
Modem |
Gigabit Ethernet Ports |
5 |
1 |
Streaming speed |
900 Mbps
|
upload speed: 131 Mbps download speed: 686 Mbps |
Size |
8.5 x 7.5 1.5 inches |
7.3 x 4.9 x 2.4 inches |
Special features |
MUMIMO, traffic analyzer, Beamforming |
Auto learning, auto aging, compatible with major ISPs |
Availability |
Conclusion
Wired connections overall offer much higher speeds since very little bandwidth is lost over cable. With Wi-Fi, external factors such as walls and signal interference affect quality of signal. Therefore, streaming is seamless and smoother over Ethernet.
