How is wired (Ethernet) better than wireless (Wi-Fi)?

Wi-Fi is obviously much more convenient than a wired Ethernet connection.But why so far, Ethernet is still the first choice for organizations, businesses and even individual users?Simply because the Ethernet network still has superior advantages over Wi-Fi wireless networks.

In the era of mobile devices today, of course wireless connections are also becoming the trend of the technology world.Obviously, you won't need to plug any network cable into your phone to access the Internet.But important devices, in other words, fixed desktops, often use Ethernet, such as gaming machines, or PC platforms for multimedia entertainment and devices. backup, digital receiver . Why is that?Below, we will take a look at the three main advantages of Ethernet over Wi-Fi, which are faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connectivity.

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How fast is Ethernet?

One thing that fans of Wi-Fi must accept is that Ethernet is always faster than Wi-Fi, and there is currently no way to help Wi-Fi catch up with Ethernet speeds.However, in fact, this distance is not as big as you think.Thanks to technologies such as 802.11ac and 802.11n, with maximum speeds of 866.7Mb / s and 150Mb / s respectively, Wi-Fi is increasingly pursuing Ethernet in the speed race.While these are theoretical figures, in terms of practical use, they certainly can't be, but Wi-Fi is still good enough to meet your everyday needs.

On the other hand, a wired Ethernet connection can theoretically reach a maximum speed of 10Gb / s if using Cat6 cables.It must be added that the maximum speed of an Ethernet network will depend on the type of cable you use.However, even Cat5e cable is the most commonly used cable that currently supports a maximum speed of 1Gb / s.And importantly, this speed is extremely stable, not flickering like Wi-Fi.

However, Ethernet will also affect the speed between devices in a network.For example, if you want to transfer files between two home computers at the fastest possible speed, in this case, using wired networks will be faster than Wifi.At that time, the Internet connection was not involved in the transfer process, so you will reach the maximum speed that your network hardware can provide.

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Here are a few typical examples to better understand the situation above:

1. If you have multiple devices to back up data to the NAS, such as a standby server or shared shared hard drive, the backup process will take place faster if you use Ethernet.
2. If you are streaming from a media server (like Plex or Kodi) then Ethernet will give you fast speed and much more stable connection quality.
3. If you are curious about the difference of local file transfer speeds, try switching a large file between two computers while both computers are connected to Ethernet, and when they are connected to Wi- Fi.You will see a speed difference.

How low is the delay of Ethernet?

In addition to bandwidth issues, connection speeds also depend on another important factor, "latency."In this case, the delay is the delay when the data is transmitted from the device to the destination, the gamer often calls it ping.

For example, if you are playing an online game and need response time as quickly as possible, you will have to find a way to minimize latency by using an Ethernet wired connection to give better latency.Of course there will still be latency caused by problems on the Internet path between your device and the game server, but not too significantly.

If you only watch videos or listen to music, surf the web . then latency is not a big problem.

You can check latency with the "Ping" command in the Command Prompt of Windows or Terminal on Linux and Mac.Even when the device is connected via Wi-Fi and when connected via Ethernet.Compare the results and you will see that if you use Wifi, the delay will be slightly higher because the signal must go back and forth between the device and the router.

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In a nutshell, Wi-Fi connectivity will be much larger because the signal will have to move back and forth between your Wi-Fi device and your wireless router.Conversely, with wired Ethernet connection, latency will be much lower.

Reliable level of Ethernet connection

Ethernet will give us a more reliable connection than Wi-Fi, which is not controversial.

Simply because the wireless connection will suffer more than a wired connection.For example, home structures, wave barriers, electromagnetic signals, or even neighbors' Wi-Fi networks may also be factors that affect Wi-Fi.All of these factors contribute to Wi-Fi, which is often more unstable and less reliable.Some issues can be mentioned:

1. Loss of signal: sometimes you will be "dropped" and must reconnect.This may not be a big problem for daily web surfing or even streaming video (which is cached on the local device), because reconnection will happen quickly.But imagine that you are playing a game that the network keeps dropping, it will certainly not be pleasant at all if not to be annoyed.
2. Higher latency: The reason why we mentioned above.
3. Slower speed: The more the impact factor will lead to poor Wi-Fi signal quality and eventually the speed will decrease.

So when should I use Ethernet?

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The article is completely not intended to lower Wi-Fi, because anyway, this is a pretty fast connection, extremely convenient, and meets all the daily needs of most common users, especially is when you use a smartphone or regularly work outside the office with a laptop.Also, there are times when you cannot use Ethernet.Probably because it's too hard to run the cable to the location you want.Or maybe your landlord won't let you run the cable the way you want.

And that's when Wi-Fi's convenience comes up.If you're constantly on the move and definitely don't want to carry bulky cords, Wifi is an obvious choice.

However, if you use a desktop or server computer and only place it in a single place, it is best to try to use Ethernet because it gives better transmission quality, especially if you are a gamer, you will see how valuable Ethernet is.

summary

In short, Ethernet gives us better connection speeds, lower latency, and more reliable and stable connectivity.Meanwhile, Wi-Fi embodies convenience and meets the basic needs of the vast majority of users.So, consider carefully the problem of using wireless or wired network;Anyway, a simple cable has brought about a difference in speed, but this difference is big enough for you to trade for convenience.

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