Anyone trying to set up their internet for the first time will face a decision whether to stick with an ethernet connection (wired) to support data speeds better or add a router and turn this connection into a wireless one (wi-fi). Here are some of the frequently asked questions about ethernet connect:
What is the difference between wi-fi and ethernet connection?
Wi-Fi lets users connect to a network (and the internet) via a wi-fi router. You don’t need cables to attach to the devices since wi-fi transmits data through wireless signals. Because of the flexibility wi-fi provides its users, they’re able to move around freely around the house or office while being connected to the network.
Meanwhile, an ethernet connection uses an ethernet cable for devices to get access to the internet. The data is transmitted over cable, so it is essential that the ethernet cables used are working properly. Users also cannot move around with the cable connected, which is why it is often just attached to a desktop computer or laptop.
Wi-fi vs. ethernet: Which connection is better?
Wi-fi and ethernet connections both have their strengths and weaknesses.
When you compare wi-fi and ethernet connection on the same plan, you can often rely more on an ethernet connection because it is more stable than wi-fi for the following reasons:
- Ethernet connection speeds can reach up to 10Gbps or higher, while wi-fi speeds can only go for 6.9Gbps.
- Wi-fi connections are more prone to interferences from physical objects or electrical devices that might block signals from passing through. On the other hand, since signals pass through a cable on an ethernet connection, it is unaffected by any disturbance.
- Ethernet offers a more secured connection because hackers have to physically plug a cable into your router to access your ethernet. Meanwhile, wi-fi connections can be intercepted since signals travel through the air.
- Streaming videos, uploading or downloading large files, and using apps that eat up a lot of bandwidth can be troublesome for wi-fi connections and hassle-free for ethernet connections.
The biggest advantage of wi-fi over ethernet connection is the convenience wireless internet offers. Wi-fi is used for portable devices like your phones, tablets and laptops because of this.
How do I know if my house has an ethernet connection?
If you just moved into a new house and you want to see if the place has ethernet connection ready, you have to find RJ-45 connectors on the walls, under the floors, behind furniture and other “hidden” areas.
If you don’t see cables, then you can start from scratch and install ethernet cables yourself. Another option is to hire an electrician to help you run the cables.
How to plug in an ethernet connection?
Many people set up their own connections at home since it is cheaper to DIY and opt for self-installation. Here’s how:
- Get your hardware. If you have the technical know-how, you can easily choose the right modem, router, and cables for your needs. If not, seek the help of your internet service provider (ISP) or cable provider. They usually have these devices included whenever users subscribe to a plan.
- Connect your modem. Get your cable and connect it to your computer by plugging one end of your ethernet cable into the LAN port of your modem, while the other end into the Ethernet port of your CPU.
- Connect your cable outlet or phone jack. If you have cable internet, get the coax cable and plug it into the “Cable In” or “RF in” jack. If your connection is DSL internet, you’d have to plug the phone cable directly into the “DSL” port. Lastly, connect your modem to either the cable outlet or phone jack. You don’t have to do both, since the outlet would depend if you have cable internet or DSL internet.
- Power up your modem. It doesn’t matter if you have cable or DSL internet, you’d still have to plug the modem into a power outlet for you to access the internet. It would take 30 to 60 seconds for the modem to boost up (you’ll know if all the lights are already blinking or turned on).
- Ethernet for fast internet. If you’ll be using the internet exclusively for work or your own entertainment, the best way to ensure fast internet is to use an ethernet cable instead of wi-fi. However, if you need to connect multiple devices to the internet, a wireless connection (via an extra router) should do the trick.
In our world full of smartphones, laptops and on-the-go lifestyles, wi-fi internet has been the go-to connection of many people, but if you’re looking for reliability, security and internet speeds that are not disturbed by physical obstructions, then ethernet connection is the way to go.
