What is Ethernet? 3 Blazing-Fast Benefits of a Wired Connection

Ethernet is a wired internet technology that connects multiple devices to a network.

Ethernet is a powerful tool, capable of connecting small local area networks (LANs) like your home, entire cities called metropolitan area networks (MANs), and wide area networks (WANs) spanning entire countries.

The technology inside ethernet cables provides high speeds with a consistent connection, making it standard in the networking industry. Technology evolution has massively boosted ethernet speeds, with the most recent Cat 8 cables capable of achieving 40 GBPS data transfer.

Fortunately, setting up an ethernet connection for various devices in your home is inexpensive, easy, and can provide a massive benefit for a high-speed internet experience.

Ethernet vs WiFi: What’s the Difference?

When connected to your home internet, you can wirelessly connect a device via WiFi or a wired ethernet connection that plugs directly into your router.

Ethernet and WiFi both offer advantages depending on the type of device you’re connecting to your network.

In most cases, Ethernet provides faster speeds, better reliability, and steadier performance, while WiFi provides convenience and ease of use.

Advantages of Ethernet

1. Faster Speeds

An ethernet connection provides consistently faster speeds than WiFi. Personal computers can benefit from a wired ethernet connection to ensure faster download speeds than over WiFi.

2. Better Consistency

With a direct, wired connection, Ethernet can provide strong, consistent speeds that are free from interruptions or fluctuations. Regarding online gaming with fiber internet, using an ethernet connection for your device is an optimal choice for lag-free gameplay.

3. Lower Latency

Another advantage for gamers is that Ethernet provides much lower latency, also known as ping. When using a wired connection with Tachus Fiber Internet, gamers can experience some of Houston’s lowest latency at 5ms!

Advantages of WiFi

Tachus WiFi provides blazing-fast speeds and whole-home coverage for a frustration-free experience across all devices.

1. Convenience

It may be a stretch to run ethernet cables to every room in your home. WiFi allows you to connect devices without physically plugging into a cable. Devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops can be used conveniently with high speeds anywhere in your home.

2. Faster Set Up

Connecting new devices to your network using WiFi is as simple as clicking a few buttons. Setting up an ethernet connection is a bit more of a commitment, requiring running and hiding cables throughout your home.

3. Cost-effective

Setting up a strong WiFi connection for multiple devices can be much cheaper than wiring a home or office for ethernet capabilities.

While the performance gap between WiFi and Ethernet has narrowed considerably in recent years, ultimately, Ethernet maintains an edge in speed, consistency, and latency.

A wired ethernet connection to your router can provide an optimal experience for devices like gaming consoles, computers, and 4 K Smart TVs.

But connecting to WiFi is the way to go if you want convenience and a quick connection.

Is Ethernet Faster than WiFi?

Ethernet is consistently faster than WiFi, providing a more secure and stable connection.

One way to test this is by running a speed test, be sure to use a device like a computer that can connect via WiFi or Ethernet.

Test your internet speed on WiFi, then connect an ethernet cable and rerun the test.

You should see that your speeds were faster over Ethernet than WiFi.

While wireless internet, such as Mesh WiFi, provides blazing-fast speeds, strong connections, and whole-house coverage, an ethernet connection can be incredibly valuable for providing a dedicated connection to something like a gaming PC.

Does Streaming with Ethernet improve Picture Quality?

If you’re experiencing drops in picture quality while streaming over WiFi, switching to a wired ethernet connection can help better maintain a high-definition picture.

An unstable connection usually causes buffering or drops in stream quality.

Ethernet is less prone to interruptions than WiFi, so using a wired connection can help reduce buffering and maintain a steady stream quality.

A wired connection can be beneficial for 4K or 8K Ultra HD streams.

What Does an Ethernet Cable Look Like?

An ethernet cable looks like a phone cable but is a bit larger. Some distinct features help set it apart.

1. Connector

Ethernet cables generally use an RJ45 connector on both ends. Each end of the connector has 8 pins and a small clip that keeps the cable secure when plugged into a port.

2. Appearance

Ethernet cables vary in color and length and are made of PVC. The cable itself can also be flat or cylindrical.

The easiest way to identify a cable is by looking at its jacket. It typically displays some text indicating what it is, such as Cat5e or Cat6. We’ll explain the importance of these below.

3. Cable Structure

Usually, an ethernet cable contains 8 twisting cables of 4 pairs. Each cable is individually shielded, and the twisting helps to strengthen the cable, preventing damage from weight or tight bends.

4. Category

The category (or standard) of the cable determines its rated speeds and distance. Cable conductors are manufactured using Copper-Clad Aluminum or Pure Copper. The techniques utilized to make ethernet cables result in standards such as Cat5e or Cat6.

How to Run Ethernet Cable Through Your House

Before setting up your internet connection, consider which devices you want to connect via Ethernet. This will help you decide important factors such as where to place your router and how to set up your cable management.

Try these tips when running cable through your home:

1. Router Placement

If you have a device such as a gaming console, PC, or Smart TV that you want connected via Ethernet, consider its placement relative to your router.

The most convenient method for connecting via an ethernet cable is to install your router as close to this device as possible. However, if your router is in another room, don’t worry; installing a connection is still possible.

2. Determine your Cable Length

Measure the distance between your device and the router. If you’re going around corners or through walkways, leave room for extra slack.

Fortunately, ethernet cables come in many different lengths and are generally inexpensive. A 100ft ethernet cable is usually under $20 and in most cases that could provide plenty of length.

If you have multiple cables, you could use an ethernet coupler to connect them together. You could also consider an ethernet splitter to connect multiple cables to one router.

3. Cable Placement

Use a cable that is long enough so that you can run it along the corners of your home.

It’s generally best practice to place your cable flush against the bottom of the wall and use cable staples or command strips. Avoid using materials like gaffers’ tape, as they leave behind a sticky residue.

If your cable crosses through a door or walkway, consider covering the cable with a rug to prevent anyone from tripping.

Want to have your ethernet cable professionally installed? Tachus Fiber Technicians are here to optimize your home internet connection. Let us know if you have any requirements when installing your fiber internet, and our professional staff will be happy to help.

Guarantee Blazing-Fast Speeds with Tachus Fiber Internet

Whether you’re connected over WiFi or Ethernet, Tachus Fiber Internet offers a high-speed, frustration-free experience across all devices.

Experience picture-perfect streaming quality. Thanks to Tachus’ blazing-fast speeds and high bandwidth, you can stream seamlessly in Ultra HD.

With an average of 5ms latency, Tachus Fiber Internet provides incredible speeds and strong stability. Enjoy consistent connectivity with minimal lag and interruptions, whether gaming, streaming, or video conferencing.

Our expert staff and technicians are here to optimize your connection and keep you online. We provide a frustration-free installation and personalized set-up so you can game, stream, or browse exactly as you need.

Ready for an upgrade? Check your address to see if Tachus is available in your area today!