Wifi Vs Ethernet – The Difference!

Wifi and Ethernet internet connection are somehow considered under the same line.

But, as a gamer, you must have heard a lot of complaints about the wireless Wi-Fi connection and people praising the wired connections. Then what is the reason behind that?

Well, the wireless internet connection has improved drastically with time, but you cannot deny the enhanced speed of the wired connection and its importance.

Thus, if you are going to get a new internet connection and are confused about choosing between a wired and wireless internet connection, this article will help you out!

Difference Between Wifi vs Ethernet Cable

The choice between WiFi and Ethernet cable is anticipated to be a determining factor in getting a new internet connection.

But, how are both different in terms of speed, reliability, security, and quality? Here’s a brief introduction to Wifi and Ethernet connections.

Ethernet:

Ethernet is an older form of internet connection that was introduced in 1973. It connects with devices through a LAN that consists of an Ethernet cable, crossover cable, hub, and router.

Nevertheless, with the evolution of technology, Ethernet has come in a variety of cables, including Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, and the latest version, Cat8 Ethernet cables.

The most commonly used cable is the Cat6 cable which provides a speed of up to 1000Mbps. However, each version is faster than the previous one. 

Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi is the latest wireless internet technology that was introduced in 1999. It allows devices to connect to the internet without any wired connection.

It is the most prevalent type of internet connection these days.

However, most computers do not come with the capability to connect with wireless connections. In that case, you need to pick an Ethernet-Wifi adapter to connect them.

Elements Distinguishing Wifi and Ethernet Connection

Before adopting the Wi-Fi or ethernet internet connection, you must decide the purpose of the internet.

You should identify whether you want to connect to the internet with your smartphones, PCs, or consoles.

Since neither of the options is ideally compatible with all devices.

Generally, Wi-Fi is considered ideal for tablets and mobile devices in order to connect wirelessly and provide convenience.

However, if you are a gaming enthusiast, the ethernet cable is the best option for enhanced speed and connectivity.

But before buying ethernet cable you have to look at what type of cable can perform well for your gaming purpose.

Glimpse some factors to determine the difference between Wifi vs Ethernet cables.

1. Latency

Latency is one of the most significant factors that should not be overlooked while getting a new internet connection.

Latency is typically referred to as the term ‘ping’ in the gaming world. It is used to describe the delays in communication over a network which is thought of as the time to load a webpage. It means the higher interference would provide higher latency.

However, the issue of latency with a Wi-Fi connection may lead to slow internet speed, input lag, and other connection issues when the signals are dropped. If anything happens to the latency, it can cause problems with the gaming and buffering while streaming.

On the other hand, the Ethernet cable has no issue with latency.

As long as you use a wired connection, your connection will be consistent and fulfill the requirements of the game. 

2. Speed

Well, speed is the primary concern of everybody while having an internet connection.

Ethernet certainly provides higher internet speed as compared to Wi-Fi, which delivers approximately 100Mbps to 10Gbps or sometimes beyond that. But it depends upon the Internet Service Providers and the length of your ethernet cable.

Wi-Fi, relatively, was previously based on the 802.11g standard that delivered a maximum speed of 54Mbps. But this speed is adequate for your mobile phones.

Above all, if you want to send files within seconds, go for an Ethernet connection. With the Ethernet cable, the transfer is smoother and faster.

3. Reliability

The key reason why many gamers prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi connection is reliability. Imagine you are playing Call of Duty over Wi-Fi and it suddenly disconnects because of a poor internet connection. It makes you pissed off! 

As a gamer, you should always require an internet connection that delivers stable and consistent speed; and Ethernet provides so. 

Although Wi-Fi is convenient for many people with mobile devices and tablets, it may be impacted by some environmental factors or wrong placement. For consistent speed and reliability, you must place the router in an ideal position. 

4. Security

Last but not least, security is another crucial factor due to which many people prefer ethernet over Wi-Fi.

Since many large corporations have to transfer their data through the internet, thus they require an internet connection that is secured by a third party. Well, ethernet is only connected to wired devices, so your data is encrypted and secured.

Which Connection is Better?

While considering Wifi vs Ethernet cable, you have got to know about several factors that differentiate the two types of internet connections.

However, Ethernet wins each element with its super fast speed and excellent reliability.

That’s why a wired internet connection is comparatively more reliable and consistent than a Wi-Fi connection. But talking about the ease of use, Wifi can easily be connected to your mobile devices without any hurdle.

So you have to decide whether you are looking for convenience or performance, then opt for the most suitable internet connection for you.

FAQs

These are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked in my comment section.