In today’s world, a reliable and fast internet connection is essential. Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favorite movies, or gaming online, you need consistent and speedy connectivity.
While wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is commonly used for its convenience, there are distinct advantages to having a wired LAN setup.
In this article, we’ll explore 6 reasons your home LAN needs to be wired for better speed, and how you can enhance your internet performance with a simple change.
What is LAN and How Does It Work?
A Local Area Network (LAN) refers to a network of devices within a specific geographic area, such as your home or office. It enables devices to communicate with each other and access the internet. LANs can be either wired or wireless.
In a wired LAN, devices are connected through physical cables (usually Ethernet), while in a wireless LAN, devices connect through radio signals.
Despite the growing popularity of wireless technology, a wired LAN offers significant advantages, particularly in speed and stability.
6 Reasons Your Home LAN Should Be Wired for Better Speed
6 Reasons Your Home LAN Should Be Wired for Better Speed
Reason 1: Superior Stability and Consistency
One of the biggest benefits of a wired LAN is its stability. Unlike Wi-Fi, which is subject to signal interference from walls, electronic devices, and even other Wi-Fi networks, wired connections are consistent.
Ethernet cables provide a direct connection to the internet, which significantly reduces the chances of dropped signals or speed fluctuations. This makes wired LAN far superior when it comes to maintaining a steady connection for online activities.
Reason 2: Faster Data Transfer Speeds
LAN speed vs Wi-Fi speed is an essential factor when considering your home network setup. While Wi-Fi speeds are constantly improving, they still cannot match the performance of Ethernet cables.
A wired LAN can easily provide speeds of up to 1 Gbps (or even 10 Gbps with advanced setups), while wireless networks often struggle to deliver consistent speeds, especially as more devices connect.
If you require high-speed internet for tasks like video streaming or gaming, a wired LAN is your best option.
Reason 3: Less Interference and Congestion
Wireless networks can suffer from interference from neighboring networks, electronic devices, and even physical barriers. This interference leads to congestion, affecting your internet speed.
Does LAN cable increase speed? The answer is yes! Ethernet cables provide a stable, direct connection with no interference from external signals.
With LAN, you won’t have to worry about other Wi-Fi users in the area impacting your speed, making it the ideal choice for uninterrupted browsing or gaming.
Reason 4: Security Benefits of a Wired Network
Security is another critical factor when deciding between wired and wireless LAN. Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to hacking attempts, as they broadcast signals that can be intercepted by anyone within range.
In contrast, wired networks are much more secure. Data transferred over Ethernet cables is not susceptible to the same risks, making wired LAN a safer option for those concerned with protecting sensitive information.
Reason 5: Better for High-Performance Activities
A wired LAN is particularly beneficial for high-performance activities like online gaming, 4K streaming, or large file transfers.
These tasks demand high bandwidth and low latency, which wireless connections often fail to deliver effectively.
LAN cable provides the reliability and speed necessary for activities that require a consistent, high-performance connection.
Reason 6: Cost-Effective Over Time
Although setting up a wired LAN might require an initial investment in cables and other infrastructure, it is generally more cost-effective over time.
Unlike Wi-Fi routers, which often need to be upgraded due to interference or reduced performance, Ethernet cables are long-lasting and provide consistent performance without requiring regular upgrades.
Does LAN Cable Increase Speed?
Yes! LAN cables significantly improve your internet speed by providing a stable and direct connection to the internet.
Unlike Wi-Fi, which shares bandwidth with multiple devices and can suffer from interference, Ethernet connections ensure that your data transfer speeds are consistent and high.
This is especially beneficial for users who need reliable speeds for activities like online gaming or video conferencing.
What is the Main Advantage of Using a Wireless LAN Over a Wired LAN?
While wired LAN offers superior performance, wireless LAN has its advantages, mainly the convenience and mobility it offers. You don’t need to worry about running cables throughout your home, and you can connect devices from anywhere within the Wi-Fi range.
However, the downside is that wireless LAN typically suffers from speed fluctuations and interference, which can hinder the performance of your internet connection.
How Much Faster is LAN Than WiFi?
In terms of speed, LAN is significantly faster than Wi-Fi. A typical Ethernet connection can offer speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the cable type and network configuration.
On the other hand, Wi-Fi speeds can vary significantly based on distance, interference, and the router’s capabilities, often offering lower speeds and higher latency.
For instance, while Wi-Fi 6 can offer speeds up to 9.6 Gbps, real-world usage often results in speeds much lower than that.
Is Ethernet Worth It?
When considering whether Ethernet is worth it, think about the type of activities you use the internet for. If you rely on high-speed internet for work, gaming, or streaming, then yes, Ethernet is definitely worth the investment.
It provides faster, more reliable connections, and ensures that your network remains stable during high-demand activities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, 6 reasons your home LAN should be wired for better speed are clear: superior stability, faster speeds, less interference, better security, improved performance for high-demand tasks, and long-term cost-effectiveness.
While wireless LAN offers flexibility, a wired LAN provides the speed and reliability most homes need for modern internet activities.
If you value performance and speed, switching to a wired network could be the solution to your internet woes. Investing in LAN cables may just be the upgrade your home network needs to boost your online experience. For more Starlink Internet information check the internetgainer.