The Main Things about Ethernet Cables

WiFi vs Ethernet: What network connection is the best

Currently, the two primary means of connecting a computer to a network are to use Ethernet cables or a WiFi connection. While both of these methods will allow you to create network connections there are some differences between the two methods. There are benefits and drawbacks associated with both WiFi and Ethernet cables. The factors that distinguish the two types of connectivity are:

WiFi

• Enables mobile connectivity without the need for a cable allowing more flexibility in the use of the connected device.
• Some machines, particularly older ones, may not be capable of using a WiFi connection.
• WiFi connections can be subject to interference and are not always as reliable as using a cabled connection.

Ethernet Cable

• Wired network connections are generally more reliable and stable than WiFi connections.
• Connecting via Ethernet cables necessarily require a wire and limits the mobility of the connected device.
• Higher throughput speeds can be achieved by using a high-speed Ethernet cable than with a WiFi connection.
• The length of an Ethernet cable can impact data loss during transmission.

What are Ethernet cable length limitations?

A standard Ethernet cable has a maximum distance of 100 meters (328 feet). However, the recommended maximum cable length may vary depending on the configuration of the equipment and cable quality. For example, you can use a Cat5e cable, if its length does not exceed 100 meters, for gigabit connections. Or you can use Category 6 (Cat 6) or higher cable for a 10 Gb connection. If you need to lay a cable longer than 45 m for establishing 10-gigabit connections, you should use only Cat 6a or Cat 7 cables.

Benefits of Using an Ethernet Cabled Connection

One of the questions users have when deciding which type of connection to use is whether an Ethernet cable is faster than WiFi. Using cables can offer more speed as well as some other advantages over a WiFi connection that may help you make your decision.

Speed

The speed that can be achieved with a cabled network connection is much greater than that which can be attained by using WiFi. The IEEE standard for WiFi tops out at speeds of 866.7 Mbps. Currently, Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables provide speeds of 1 Gbps. Cat6a and the next generation Cat7 cables enable transmission of up to 10 Gbps. If your only concern is speed, a network created with Ethernet cables will far outperform a WiFi installation.

Signal quality

Signal quality can be a problem with WiFi connections. You have probably experienced the frustration of losing connectivity for no apparent reason when connected to a WiFi network. As more devices, such as those in the Internet of Things, are introduced it will only make this more of a problem in the future. Using at least Cat6 Ethernet cables provides the shielding that you need to prevent crosstalk interference.

The twisted pairs of wires that are used inside Ethernet cables create a balanced electrical field. Transmission noise is an electrical unbalance that impacts the data signal. WiFi is more susceptible to noise from microwaves and other electrical devices. If signal quality is of great importance in your network, a cabled design may be beneficial.

Flexibility

Using Ethernet cables also gives you more flexibility in the type of equipment that can be connected to the network. WiFi is great for the new mobile devices that have flooded the market, but there are many others that require a cabled connection. Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows power to travel over the same cable as data. This allows network control of surveillance cameras, monitoring systems, and VOIP phone systems among many other applications. Devices cannot be power through a WiFi connection.