What is Ethernet? 3 Benefits of a Wired Connection

Ethernet is a wired internet technology that connects multiple devices to a network.

Ethernet is a powerful tool, capable of connecting small local area networks (LANs) like your home, entire cities called metropolitan area networks (MANs), and wide area networks (WANs) spanning entire countries.

The technology inside ethernet cables provides high speeds with a consistent connection, making it standard in the networking industry. Technology evolution has massively boosted ethernet speeds, with the most recent Cat 8 cables capable of achieving 40 Gbps data transfer.

Fortunately, setting up an ethernet connection for various devices in your home is inexpensive, easy, and can provide a massive benefit for a high-speed internet experience — especially when paired with a fast, reliable fiber connection like Ezee Fiber.

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: What’s the Difference?

When connected to your home internet, you can wirelessly connect a device via Wi-Fi or use a wired ethernet connection that plugs directly into your router.

Ethernet and Wi-Fi both offer advantages depending on the type of device you’re connecting to your network.

In most cases, Ethernet provides faster speeds, better reliability, and steadier performance, while Wi-Fi provides convenience and ease of use. With Ezee Fiber’s high-bandwidth network, both connection types can deliver excellent performance — but wired still has the edge for certain devices.

Advantages of Ethernet

1. Faster Speeds

An ethernet connection provides consistently faster speeds than Wi-Fi. Personal computers can benefit from a wired ethernet connection to ensure faster download speeds than over Wi-Fi — especially when using multi-gig fiber plans.

2. Better Consistency

With a direct, wired connection, Ethernet can provide strong, consistent speeds that are free from interruptions or fluctuations. For online gaming on a fiber connection like Ezee Fiber, using an ethernet connection is an optimal choice for smooth, lag-free gameplay.

3. Lower Latency

Another advantage for gamers is that Ethernet provides much lower latency, also known as ping. When using a wired connection with fiber internet, players can experience ultra-responsive performance that makes competitive gaming, video calls, and real-time applications feel seamless.

Advantages of Wi-Fi

Ezee Fiber’s advanced Wi-Fi solutions provide fast speeds and strong whole-home coverage for a frustration-free experience across all your devices.

1. Convenience

It may be a stretch to run ethernet cables to every room in your home. Wi-Fi allows you to connect devices without physically plugging into a cable. Devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops can be used conveniently with high speeds anywhere in your home.

2. Faster Setup

Connecting new devices to your network using Wi-Fi is as simple as clicking a few buttons. Setting up an ethernet connection is a bit more of a commitment, requiring running and hiding cables throughout your home.

3. Cost-Effective

Setting up a strong Wi-Fi connection for multiple devices can be much cheaper than wiring a home or office for ethernet capabilities.

While the performance gap between Wi-Fi and Ethernet has narrowed considerably in recent years, Ethernet still maintains an edge in speed, consistency, and latency.

A wired ethernet connection to your router can provide an optimal experience for devices like gaming consoles, desktop computers, and 4K Smart TVs.

But connecting to an optimized Wi-Fi connection is the way to go if you want convenience and a quick connection.

Is Ethernet Faster than Wi-Fi?

Ethernet is consistently faster than Wi-Fi, providing a more secure and stable connection.

One way to test this is by running a speed test. Use a device like a computer that can connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Test your internet speed on Wi-Fi, then connect an ethernet cable and rerun the test. You’ll typically see faster, more consistent speeds over Ethernet — especially on a high-performance fiber network like Ezee Fiber.

While wireless internet, such as Mesh Wi-Fi, provides strong connections and whole-home coverage, an ethernet connection can be incredibly valuable for delivering a dedicated, uninterrupted connection to devices like a gaming PC.

Does Streaming with Ethernet Improve Picture Quality?

If you’re experiencing drops in picture quality while streaming over Wi-Fi, switching to a wired ethernet connection can help better maintain a high-definition picture.

An unstable connection usually causes buffering or drops in stream quality. Ethernet is less prone to interference than Wi-Fi, so using a wired connection can help reduce buffering and maintain steady stream quality — especially for 4K or 8K Ultra HD content.

What Does an Ethernet Cable Look Like?

An ethernet cable looks like a phone cable but is slightly larger. Some distinct features help set it apart.

1. Connector

Ethernet cables generally use an RJ45 connector on both ends. Each end of the connector has 8 pins and a small clip that keeps the cable secure when plugged into a port.

2. Appearance

Ethernet cables vary in color and length and are made of PVC. The cable itself can also be flat or cylindrical.

The easiest way to identify a cable is by looking at its jacket. It typically displays some text indicating what it is, such as Cat5e or Cat6.

3. Cable Structure

Usually, an ethernet cable contains 8 twisting wires arranged in 4 pairs. Each wire is individually shielded, and the twisting helps strengthen the cable and reduce interference.

4. Category

The category (or standard) of the cable determines its rated speeds and distance. Cable conductors are manufactured using Copper-Clad Aluminum or Pure Copper, resulting in standards such as Cat5e, Cat6, and beyond.

How to Run Ethernet Cable Through Your House

Before setting up your connection, consider which devices you want to connect via Ethernet. This will help you decide important factors such as router placement and cable management.

1. Router Placement

If you have a device such as a gaming console, PC, or Smart TV that you want connected via Ethernet, consider its placement relative to your router.

The most convenient method is to install your router as close to this device as possible. However, even if your router is in another room, running a cable is still doable.

2. Determine Your Cable Length

Measure the distance between your device and the router. If you’re going around corners or through walkways, leave room for extra slack.

Ethernet cables come in many lengths and are generally inexpensive. A 100-foot ethernet cable is often under $20 and can provide plenty of reach.

If you have multiple cables, you could use an ethernet coupler to connect them together or a splitter to connect multiple devices to one router port.

3. Cable Placement

Use a cable that is long enough to run along the corners of your home.

It’s best practice to place your cable flush against the bottom of the wall and use cable staples or command strips. Avoid materials like gaffer’s tape, which can leave behind residue.

If your cable crosses a doorway or walkway, consider covering it with a rug or cable cover to prevent tripping.

Want a clean, professional setup? Ezee Fiber technicians can help ensure your home network is optimized during installation so you get the best possible performance from your connection.

Guarantee Reliable Speeds with Ezee Fiber

Whether you’re connected over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, Ezee Fiber delivers a fast, reliable, and frustration-free internet experience across all your devices.

Enjoy smooth streaming, responsive gaming, and crystal-clear video calls thanks to high bandwidth, low latency, and a network built for modern households. From everyday browsing to data-heavy 4K streaming, Ezee Fiber keeps everything running seamlessly.

Our expert technicians provide professional installation and help optimize your setup so you get the most out of your connection from day one.

Ready for faster, more reliable internet? Sign up for Ezee Fiber today and experience the difference fiber speed makes.