There are two ways to use the internet on devices, such as your PC or gaming console. You may either go for a wired connection– using an Ethernet cable–or connect to the internet wirelessly, using the Wi-Fi card on your devices.
However, choosing between both of the connection types isn’t an easy task. There are a lot of things that you have to take into account before you decide on which internet connection type you should be going for.
Here are some factors to consider before you decide whether a wired or a wireless internet connection is better for you.
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How Does Wi-Fi Work?
The technology behind Wi-Fi was first introduced in 1997 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Ever since then, there have been evolutions in the technology, with the latest being Wi-Fi 7. As the evolutions went on, the internet performance just went onward and upward.
Wi-Fi makes use of wireless signals that are transmitted through the antennae on your modem or router. Those signals are then received by the Wi-Fi cards in your devices, such as your PC, laptop, smartphone, and even gaming consoles.
Wi-Fi technology also comes with several add-ons, such as Wi-Fi extenders and a mesh network that allow you to get rid of “dead zones” in your house. Dead zones are the areas that receive little to no connectivity in your house.
How Does a Wired Internet Connection Work?
Contrary to a wireless internet connection, a wired internet connection uses cables that connect your device directly to the router or modem. These cables are called Ethernet cables, and you can easily find them at any electronics store or order them online.
However, in a wired internet connection, you have to make sure that your devices are close to your modem or router since your Ethernet cable would be at a limited length. You may wire your house with Ethernet cables if distance is not a concern for you, but keep in mind that it’ll be expensive.
What Are the Benefits of a Wireless Internet Connection?
Both wireless and wired internet connections have their pros and cons. You can form an educated opinion about your preference for either connection once you learn more about what these pros and cons are. First, I’ll mention all the positive aspects of having a wireless internet connection.
- It is convenient: One of the most noticeable things about a wireless internet connection is the convenience that it offers. You can use your devices wirelessly from anywhere in your house. The lack of cables makes it easy for you to use the internet on your devices anywhere.
- It is mobile: As mentioned earlier, having a wireless internet connection gives you greater mobility. All you have to do is connect your devices to the internet through Wi-Fi, and you are good to go.
- It is affordable: When you have a wireless internet connection in a smaller house, all you have to pay for is your internet service and the router (if your provider has an equipment fee). For instance, if you look into Xfinity Internet, you’ll see that it has affordable plans with break-neck internet speeds!
What are the Benefits of a Wired Internet Connection?
A wireless internet connection has its own set of perks, and so does a wired internet connection. You can find out more in the points that follow.
- It is more reliable: When it comes to reliability, a wired internet connection knows no bounds. When you use a wireless internet connection, some of the signals are weakened due to physical obstacles in the way, such as cement walls, pieces of furniture, and magnetic interference from other devices. However, that is not the case in a wired internet connection since none of the signals are dissipated.
- It gives a faster internet speed: Since there aren’t any signals lost in a wired connection, this ensures that you get the maximum internet speed that you can get. This makes it a perfect option for activities such as streaming online content and playing online games.
- It is more secure: An Ethernet internet connection is safer than a wireless internet connection because the data traveling through cables is always harder to intercept by hackers. However, the process is a lot easier for the hacker if you are using a wireless internet connection.
So Which One Should You Go For?
Honestly, it all comes down to your personal preference. If you want an internet connection that you can access anywhere without the hassle of cables and wires, then you should go for a wireless internet connection. However, if you want a more reliable internet connection with faster internet speed and reliability, then you should go for a wired internet connection.
