The author, initially oblivious to the nuances of Wi-Fi, embarked on a home internet experiment after joining CNET’s broadband team. This experiment stemmed from a newfound realization of the importance of understanding internet connectivity, particularly concerning the difference between Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and its impact on achieving optimal home network performance.
The experiment involved comparing internet speeds using both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. Speedtest by Ookla, a reputable speed testing tool, revealed a significant disparity. While Wi-Fi yielded download speeds of around 126 Mbps, Ethernet propelled speeds to 395 Mbps, nearly reaching the subscribed plan’s maximum speed. This stark contrast highlighted the inherent speed limitations of Wi-Fi compared to the direct, wired connection provided by Ethernet. The author noted a significant improvement in streaming and gaming performance with Ethernet, leading to a permanent switch to the wired connection for their PlayStation 5. This personal experience underscores the tangible benefits of Ethernet for bandwidth-intensive activities.
This experiment led the author to delve into the technicalities of both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Wi-Fi, first developed in 1997 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, has evolved through various versions under the stewardship of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Modern routers predominantly support Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, offering strong connections, though signal strength can still vary within a home, leading to “dead zones.” These dead zones, often unavoidable due to signal interference and the limitations of wireless frequency bands, can significantly impact internet speed and reliability in certain areas. The author suggests Wi-Fi extenders as a potential solution to mitigate this issue and ensure more consistent coverage throughout the home.
Ethernet, predating Wi-Fi, relies on physical cables connected directly to the router. While this wired setup offers superior speed and reliability, it sacrifices mobility and can be cumbersome to implement throughout an entire house. Despite the prevalence of Wi-Fi, Ethernet continues to evolve. The Ethernet Alliance predicts that the increasing demands of artificial intelligence will drive Ethernet speeds to 800 Gbps (8,000 Mbps) and beyond, ensuring its continued relevance in high-bandwidth applications.
Comparing Wi-Fi and Ethernet reveals distinct advantages and disadvantages for each. Wi-Fi offers convenience, mobility, and affordability, while suffering from potential congestion, limited range, and security vulnerabilities. Ethernet, conversely, excels in reliability, speed, and security but lacks the flexibility of wireless connections and can be costly to install, especially for whole-house coverage. While Wi-Fi is generally cheaper to implement due to lower installation costs and the ability to connect multiple devices easily, Ethernet offers significantly faster speeds and more consistent performance. Wi-Fi 6 can theoretically reach speeds up to 9,600 Mbps, but realistically averages around 1,600 Mbps, whereas Ethernet can potentially reach 10,000 Mbps. However, it’s important to note that even gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps) are typically sufficient for average household internet usage.
Ultimately, the choice between Wi-Fi and Ethernet depends on individual needs and priorities. Wi-Fi’s convenience and mobility make it ideal for general home use, particularly with the proliferation of smart devices. However, Ethernet offers a superior experience for bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming, where speed and latency are critical. The author concluded that while Wi-Fi remains the primary connection method for most devices, Ethernet provides a significant performance boost for specific applications, demonstrating the value of understanding the strengths of each technology.
