In our wireless world, where everything from power to internet access is transmitted wirelessly, it’s easy to overlook the advantages of a wired internet connection. While wifi may be good enough for most online activities, ethernet still provides a superior experience. Ethernet is always faster than wifi, with studies showing that wifi networks typically only achieve 42% of the speeds of a hardwired connection. Even with the upcoming WiFi 7, which promises faster speeds, ethernet still offers more consistent and reliable performance.
One of the main advantages of ethernet is its speed. A hardwired connection using Cat 6A cables can transfer data at 10 gigabits per second, while WiFi 6E only has a theoretical maximum speed of 9.6 Gbps. Even with the faster speeds promised by WiFi 7, interference and network congestion can still affect the actual speeds experienced by devices. Ethernet also provides low latency, making it ideal for applications like gaming, where minimal delay is crucial.
In addition to speed, ethernet also offers more reliable coverage. Wifi signals can be hindered by various materials, leading to dead zones where signals are weak or nonexistent. While extenders or secondary routers can help mitigate this issue, wiring your house with ethernet ensures that you never have to worry about dead zones again.
Lastly, ethernet provides better security compared to wifi. Since wifi signals are accessible through the air, they are more susceptible to compromise. Although encryption can provide some level of protection, ethernet, being a physical connection, is much more difficult to access without physical entry into the network. This provides an additional layer of security for your data and privacy.
While the day may come when wifi technologies surpass ethernet and make it obsolete, that day is not here yet. If you have the opportunity to wire your house with ethernet, it’s still worth considering for its faster speeds, more reliable coverage, and enhanced security.