Over the past decade, internet technology has advanced tremendously. Nowadays, a typical household has Wi-Fi with speeds that were once considered almost enterprise-level.

The question is, how fast is fast enough?

With fiber internet connections that can go up to 10 Gbps, we’re left wondering how we can maximize our broadband speeds.

The switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet is often mentioned as a solution.

Discover the benefits of this type of connection by reading on.

 

First, How Does the Internet Work?

Through a complex infrastructure of cables, routers, and Internet Service Providers, the internet is an extensive network of networks.

The internet does not have a central governing body or a single storage location for all information. There isn’t just one thing you can find. Essentially, it’s a system of interconnected networks.

In other words, asking “where is the internet?” is absurd since you are the internet, along with everyone else who has access to the internet.

That’s pretty poetic, huh?

Despite the fact that the internet may seem to be an abstract, digital thing, it’s actually quite analog in nature. Basically, the internet consists of all computers, data centers, and routers connected (physically) by wires that travel the world.

Your Ethernet cable (or Wi-Fi router) is the last link in a complex chain that determines your internet connection speed.

Don’t expect to increase your internet speed by switching to a cable if you expect it to be faster.

You will probably see better results if you switch to a better, more expensive Internet Service Provider (ISP).

 

Do Ethernet Cables Affect Your Internet Speed?

Compared to your standard telephone cable, Ethernet cables are thicker and have larger connectors.

An Ethernet cable’s most common structure is what’s known as a “twisted pair,” which is composed of twisted pairs of wires. It is the industry standard for cable internet, and it is only outperformed by optical fiber.

This is due to the fact that these cables use separate wires for transmitting and receiving data, which reduces electrical noise that can interfere with data transmission.

Ethernet cables differ based on the devices they connect:

• Patch cables: used to connect two different devices (e.g., your console and your router).
• Crossover cables: used to connect two same devices (e.g., your two PCs).

 

Categories of Ethernet Cables

When it comes to data transmission speed, Ethernet cables also come in different categories.

Cat5 cable was once considered to be the most reliable type of cable. It can reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Other signals, such as video and telephones, can also be transmitted using it.

Cat5e cable is the current variant in use in Category 5. It is possible for them to support higher speeds, up to 1 Mbps.

Cat6 cables have thinner wires and are stiffer than Cat5 cables. Their maximum length is 55 meters, but they can reach speeds up to 10 Gbps.

CAT6a cables are augmented cables, so they feature the same speeds as their predecessors. However, they can reach lengths of up to 100m.

Wires inside Cat7 cables, as well as the cable itself, must be shielded. The purpose of this is to prevent crosstalk or interference between signals. Speeds of up to 100 Gbps can be supported.

Cat8 cables are also available, but they’re intended for data centers, so they’re much more expensive and not suitable for business use.

One thing to keep in mind, though: your Ethernet cable won’t affect your internet speed.

If you’re paying for a 2 Gbps connection, switching from Cat6 to Cat7 won’t help increase your speed. It’s your plan, not your cable, that determines your speed.

 

Are Ethernet Cables Faster Than Wi-Fi?

However, Ethernet connections are typically faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi. However, there might not be as much of a gap as you might expect.

In 2013, 802.11ac, a wireless standard, achieved speeds of almost 7 Gbps, which is incredible for all types of connections.

Comparatively, wired connections are capable of 10 Gbps (unless we’re talking about optical fibers, which can reach 100 Gbps, but are still rare).

If you pay for a top-of-the-line plan and use the right wireless standard, Wi-Fi internet can be high-speed.

As far as Wi-Fi speeds are concerned, they are theoretical. In practice, wireless connections (even 802.11ac) rarely reach their maximum speeds. When you have a PC, several smartphones, and a TV sharing the same Wi-Fi, your speeds will undoubtedly suffer.

Running a line from your router to your device will likely result in a more stable connection. You can almost guarantee a consistent speed with Ethernet cables rather than Wi-Fi.

It’s not just about speed when it comes to your internet experience. It can also be about latency, especially if you play games. The performance of Ethernet cables is also better in this regard.

Cable connections are also more secure than Wi-Fi, something you shouldn’t ignore. Since it connects directly to the router, it can’t be hacked like your Wi-Fi password.

In spite of the reduction in the gap between Ethernet and Wi-Fi, cable connections are still more reliable, faster, and safer.

 

How to Set up Your Ethernet Cable

Switching to a cable is pretty easy if you want a more stable connection.

A Ethernet cable is all you need to connect your PC to your router-no software to install or settings to check.

Plug the cable into the appropriate port on your router and the other end into your PC. An Ethernet-to-USB adapter can be purchased if you have a laptop that does not have an Ethernet port.

As soon as you plug the cable into both devices, the little Wi-Fi icon will change to an Ethernet icon and you’ll get a faster, more stable connection just like that!