Is the Internet Speed Faster When Connecting a Laptop to a LAN Cable Compared to Using WiFi?

For the longest time, the answer to this question would have been a resounding yes. Traditional LAN (Local Area Network) connections through a cable are known to be faster than the wireless WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) standard. However, in today's era of technology, things are not as straightforward. Despite having a 100 Mbps wired connection, modern WiFi routers, especially those using the 802.11ax standard, can offer significantly faster speeds and perform better in terms of latency and jitter.

Why is WiFi still a popular choice?

Despite its speed advantages, WiFi remains a preferred option due to its ease of deployment. Traditional LAN cables can sometimes be the limiting factor in setting up a network, particularly in residential environments. Wifi by nature provides connectivity without the need for cable installation, making it a convenient solution for a wide range of users.

Performance Comparison: Ethernet Cable vs WiFi

Will it be faster?

Yes, in most cases, a wired LAN connection will be faster than a WiFi connection. High-speed WiFi devices, such as those using the 5 GHz band, can offer up to 500 Mbps, which is faster than the traditional 100 Mbps Ethernet. Additionally, modern networks are capable of servicing multiple devices without significant latency issues, making them a viable option for high-bandwidth applications.

Will you notice it?

For gamers or individuals living in high-density housing with significant WiFi interference, the impact on performance can be noticeable. A wired connection can reduce the number of ping spikes, leading to smoother gameplay and fewer video pauses. However, for the average user, the differences may not be as pronounced.

Will the faster connection make a difference?

The upgraded speed may not always translate to an noticeable improvement. While a gigabit service can potentially provide faster speeds, many households do not require such speeds for their daily activities. High-speed connections are more about enabling multiple devices to share a connection without slowing each other down, rather than allowing a single device to use the speed without constraints.

For those who connect their main computers and video streamers using an Ethernet cable, the results speak for themselves. A wired connection leads to less hesitation and fewer video pauses. High-speed traffic is removed, providing more bandwidth for other devices, which benefits the overall network performance.

Security and Reliability

An Ethernet cable connection is not only faster but also more secure and reliable. WiFi networks can be disrupted and intercepted, making them vulnerable to security breaches. A wired connection is less susceptible to such issues, providing a more secure environment for data transmission.

Real-World Comparisons

Internet speed tests using an Ethernet cable can yield impressive results. I experience 920/930 Mbit/s with 2ms latency when connecting through an Ethernet cable. In contrast, testing with a top-notch WiFi 5 network reveals speeds as high as 450/500 Mbit/s with 12ms latency. These figures are a stark contrast to the theoretical speeds advertised by service providers, which are often far higher and apply primarily to multiple devices.

Future Prospects: WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E

The advent of WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E provides an interesting perspective on the future of wireless networking. While WiFi 6 is better suited for handling multiple devices simultaneously, WiFi 6E focuses on providing higher speeds to a single device. However, these improvements will only be realized if both the access point and the device support the new standard.

Conclusion

While both wired and wireless connections have their advantages, the choice between Ethernet and WiFi often comes down to specific needs and environments. For those requiring high-speed, reliable, and secure internet connections for both gaming and streaming, an Ethernet connection might be the way to go. However, for those who prioritize ease of deployment and convenience, WiFi can still be a solid option.