CIOInsider India Magazine

Have you grown tired of fussing at your Wi-Fi connection whenever its speed is too slow? There is a common assumption that Wi-Fi connections are slower than Ethernet cable connections. Although your ISP (internet service provider) may not be intentionally misleading you about the upload and download speeds of their network, they do it by ingeniously upselling their services to make them appear more appealing to customers. A number of factors, such as incorrect router positioning, router configuration problems, issues with the internet service provider (ISP), and hardware issues, can cause Wi-Fi to be slow.

But what makes its speed slower?
The best way to get the fastest download and upload speed is by connecting an Ethernet connection to your computer, laptop, or smart TV. You could experience slower download and upload rates while using the same Ethernet to connect to a Wi-Fi network, and this is why.

Your device is hardwired to the network provider when you insert an ethernet cable straight into it, which greatly decreases signal loss. The Wi-Fi router must transform the signal when you use it so that it may be received by your computer or smartphone as a radio wave. The network efficiency of routers has improved, but if there is a lot of distance between the router and your device, the signal will be interfered with and become weak, which will slow down the download and upload rates.

Also, there are several Wi-Fi network configurations. The most popular and widely used frequency is 2.4GHz, which has a longer range and a maximum data transfer speed of up to 600 Mbps, however this varies from router to router. The router can occasionally be reset to boost speeds. It can be as simple a repair as it seems.Your router may be the cause of the issue if it is an older model. Most modern routers offer extended functionality for greater connectivity, can handle quicker speeds, and have updated security measures.

Then there is 5GHz, which is now a popular frequency and provides download speeds of up to 1,300 Mbps at the expense of range. The most recent Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standard is also available, and it can provide download speeds of up to 5.4Gbps. Again, you need a more expensive broadband package to get these speeds, and Wi-Fi 6E capable routers are similarly more expensive than 5GHz routers.

But sometimes, the problem may just be with your internet service. No matter what you do, you won't be able to acquire download and upload speeds faster than what your plan allows if your provider delivers sluggish rates. The fastest internet speed you'll likely obtain is 40 Mbps if your plan has a cap on that number.

Data caps are another aspect of some ISPs, which implies that if you exceed a specific limit, your ISP may slow down your internet access.

Now let’s look at it from an applicative point of view. The choice between a WiFi connection and an Ethernet connection is frequently the greatest connectivity option for businesses. But how do speed, quality, stability, and security differ between a WiFi and an Ethernet connection?

Which is Better for Your Business?
Ethernet is usually always faster than WiFi, though there are a number of factors that affect the actual speed of a WiFi connection and an Ethernet connection. The fastest WiFi speeds today can theoretically reach 6.9Gbps, while the fastest Ethernet speeds can reach 10Gbps or higher.

However, actual WiFi speeds are much slower, typically less than 1Gbps. Compared to a WiFi connection, an Ethernet connection is far more secure. While data on a WiFi network flows via the air and can be more readily collected, data on an Ethernet network can only be accessed by physically connecting a device to the network.

WiFi connections are more vulnerable to signal blockage from physical objects or electrical interference. As a result, an Ethernet connection is more dependable as it's shielded from crosstalk and interference and is unaffected by the presence of physical objects.

The speedier Ethernet connection will offer a better experience with lower latency and faster data transfer while uploading huge files, streaming video, or using bandwidth-hungry applications.

However, at times, it could be slower than a WiFi connection and here’s what you can do in that case.

How to Improve an Ethernet Reception
An Ethernet cable that is broken or malfunctioning might dramatically reduce the speed you receive. Before doing anything else, carefully check the Ethernet wire from beginning to end for damage such as flattening by furniture, pet bites, or stretching to the point of destruction.

Your connection is most likely being slowed down by a faulty Ethernet cable if the cable shows any evidence of damage in the middle. Hence, changing the cable ought to fix the connectivity problems.

Even an intact or brand-new Ethernet cable will not function properly if the ports to which it is connected are damaged. By connecting the Ethernet wire to several LAN ports on your router and device, you can test this.

How to Improve WiFi Reception and Speed
If the speed of this switch noticeably increases, one or both of the ports are broken. Thus, refrain from utilizing them moving forward. Go to the next fix if this adjustment makes no difference, indicating that the ports are secure. Place the router where it can be seen easily, and make sure the antennas are spread out to increase network range.

To enhance the router's network performance and energy efficiency, install the most recent firmware. Sit in a location where you can see the router for the fastest connection, and always join the Wi-Fi 6 network if it's available.