A wired Internet connection uses a physical cable to connect your devices to the internet. This type of connection is the one that suits you better because it’s more reliable and faster than a wireless internet connection.
Most new computers come with a built-in Ethernet port that allows you to connect directly to your router or modem.
How Does a Wired Internet Connection Work?
A wired connection uses an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to the modem or router in your home. It has two ends: one that plugs into your computer, and one that plugs into an open port on the modem or router.
The modem or router then connects to your ISP (internet service provider). This allows you to access the internet from any device connected via Ethernet cable.
Types of Ethernet Cables
There are many different types of cables that can be used for this purpose, but they all work in a similar way. The cable has four pairs of wires inside it that carry data between two devices. Each pair is twisted together to reduce interference from outside sources and ensure maximum signal quality.
The common Ethernet cables are categories 5, 6, and 7. Each type is designed for a different purpose.
Category 5 (Cat5) Cables
These are the most basic Ethernet cables available. Cat5 typically handles speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) while Cat5e handles 1000 Mbps / 1 Gbps. Cat5 cable is used for home networks and has largely been replaced by Cat6 and higher grades in commercial settings.
Category 6 (Cat6) Cables
This is a slightly faster version of the Cat5 cable that can handle bandwidths of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) while Cat6e handles speeds of up to 10 Gbps. It’s also important to note that Cat6 is backward-compatible with Cat5e.
Category 7 (Cat7) Cables
These are essentially a combination of Cat6 and fiber optic cable technologies into one package. They operate at speeds up to 10 Gbps.
The Benefits of a Wired Internet Connection
The most common use of Ethernet cables is to connect the computer with the internet router.
Ethernet cables are also connected to printers, scanners, fax, and other devices that have Ethernet ports on them such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles like Xbox One or PlayStation 4.
A Wired Internet Connection is More Secure
A wired connection provides a more secure connection than Wi-Fi because it doesn’t use radio waves, which can be intercepted and accessed by others in the area.
Also, if you’re using a wireless router, it’s easier for hackers to penetrate into your system through the Wi-Fi connection than through the hard-wired Ethernet cable.
The only way someone could access your wired network is if they physically broke into your home or office and plugged into your computer directly.
How Much Faster Is Ethernet
When it comes to internet speed, wired connections tend to be faster than wireless ones. This is because the physical connection between your computer and the router is hard-wired, which means there are fewer opportunities for interference.
Their standard speed is 100 megabits per second (Mbps), but some high-end cables are capable of reaching speeds up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). This makes Ethernet ideal for anyone who needs a fast connection, such as gamers or video streamers.
The speed difference between wired and wireless is easily noticeable if you’re doing something that requires a lot of bandwidth, like downloading large files or streaming video.
It’s More Reliable Than Wireless
Like all other types of wired connections, Ethernet cable transmits your data over a physical connection rather than through radio waves like Wi-Fi does. This means there’s no interference from other devices, including other people’s routers and cordless phones, which can cause dropped signals and slow speeds when using Wi-Fi.
Offer Consistent Speeds
Wired connections also offer more consistent speeds than wireless ones. Wireless connections tend to have peaks and valleys in their performance, while wired connections will consistently deliver a certain speed. This makes them ideal for streaming media, downloading large files, and playing games online.
Easy to Use
Another benefit of Ethernet cable is that it does not require any software or skills. Simply plug one end of the cable into your PC and the other end into your router, then you are ready to go; there is no need to install any software on your computer or laptop.
You can use Ethernet cables with any device. Since you don’t need any special software to use an Ethernet connection, you can easily connect your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. It does not matter if the device is new or old; all you need is a reliable network cable and an internet connection.
The Drawbacks of a Wired Internet Connection
A wired internet connection requires that you run cables across the room or floor to connect each device with the modem and router. This can be inconvenient if you have to move furniture every time you want to install an Ethernet cable or if there isn’t enough space for all of these wires in one area.
A wireless router allows multiple devices to connect wirelessly, making them less obtrusive and easier to set up than wired connections.