Ethernet Vs Wifi – Which Is Better

Ethernet and wifi both allow homes and businesses a way to connect devices to the internet. Each is structured and connects to devices differently while having their own positives and negatives. Below is a guide on the advantages and disadvantages of ethernet and wifi for connecting to the internet:

Ethernet

Ethernet connects a device via a network cable to a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The structured cabling provides a connection between the network and device to transmit data and provide connection. The cable encases data cables where the data will travel to and from the device and local network segment. 

The main reasons and positives of using ethernet cables are:

• Often schools, campuses, offices, businesses, gamers and other people who need stranger and faster internet will utilise ethernet
• Ethernet is more reliable compared to wifi connections and will have a lower chance of the network being disrupted
• For activities that need a larger bandwidth, such as transferring large files, streaming music and gaming, ethernet is more reliable
• When devices, such as computers, are within one place then the ethernet will strengthen that device while allowing other devices to stay on the wifi
• Ethernet has a lower cost, has a good data transfer and has a great data security 

The main disadvantages with ethernet are:

• If there are issues with the ethernet it can be difficult to find the problem
• Interactive or real-time applications are not suited for ethernet
• The presence of the cable can be unappealing to some and cause a nuisance
• Moving the device connected to the ethernet is limited 
• If there are multiple connections and higher traffic then the ethernet will slow down

Wifi

Wifi connects devices through a radio signal from a wireless router, this router connects to the network through cables. The wifi network is a simple connection and will allow multiple devices to connect easily to it. The router connects to the internet modem and is the main point where devices will connect to it in its signal area. Radio waves will transmit the data to devices from the router, communicating through airwaves. The main types of wifi routers are wireless/ routers, mobile hotspots, 4G home internet and 5G home internet. 

The main benefits that come with installing wifi are:

• Wifi has great convenience and ease with accessing the internet as devices can be in different places instead of one specific point like with ethernet
• Wiring and cabling is not involved with connecting to the internet, the only wires are with the router
• Mobile phones, tablets and laptops are great devices to use wifi and may only have wifi options
• Most wifi connections are suitable for the average network usage and where a strong bandwidth is not needed

The main disadvantages with installing wifi are:

• When multiple devices are connected to the wifi the chance of interference and the connection strength decreasing rises
• Parts of the home can have a weaker connection, often the more walls or further distances with the router
• Ethernet is overall more reliable than wifi in providing quality and faster internet connections
• For devices that need a strong internet connection, and especially if there are multiple devices working at once, then the connection will not be as strong with wifi

The installation of data cabling inside of homes on average costs $65 to $95 per hour for labour. How big the home is, the type of data cabling being installed and the sockets needed also influence the price. Sockets can range from $25 to $115 each and cable types and how much is installed can be from $4 to $19 per metre.