What Is An Ethernet Cable, And How Does It Help You To Access The Internet More Quickly?
What is an Ethernet cable, and how does it help you to access the internet more quickly?
While Wi-Fi is the most popular method of connecting devices to the internet these days, it is not the only one available. An Ethernet cable, which is a wire, can also be used to connect two computers together.
Examine what an Ethernet cable is, why it speeds up your Internet connection, and how you can start using one right away.
What Is the Function of an Ethernet Cable?
Uncomplicated in its design, a network cable (also known as an Ethernet cable) is simply a cable that connects your computer, laptop, game console, or other device to the router on your network. Before Wi-Fi became the standard and allowed wireless connections to be established, this method of connecting a device to a network was known as "hard-wiring."
A large number of devices are equipped with an Ethernet port, which enables them to communicate with one another using this common cable type. When you purchase a device such as a router, an Ethernet cable is frequently included in the package. Ethernet cables are also available for purchase online from retailers such as Amazon and Newegg in a variety of lengths.
When you connect an Ethernet cable, you will see the same connector on both ends: it looks similar to an old landline phone cable, but it is much larger.
Ethernet Cables Have a Number of Advantages. What Are They?
A wired network connection is more dependable than a wireless network connection when it comes to connecting your devices to the internet. You'll have less network stuttering and won't have to worry about interference from other devices, walls, or other obstructions.
Ethernet connections are also significantly faster than Wi-Fi connections. When using an Ethernet cable, information travels over a dedicated and consistent line, which is more reliable. It is more efficient than Wi-Fi, which broadcasts wireless signals in all directions at the same time as it. It is possible for information to travel more quickly through cables than it is through the air.
If you have an Ethernet cable, you can conduct your own tests to verify this. Perform a network connection test at Speedtest.net while connected via Wi-Fi, and then repeat the process while connected via Ethernet cable. Your download speed with cable will most likely be closer to the advertised download speed from your ISP.
It's important to remember that no matter what type of connection you use, you will not be able to exceed the speed provided by your Internet service provider. Although Ethernet cables can often deliver speeds of up to 1Gbps, if you're only paying for 100Mbps, you won't be able to go faster than that without upgrading your plan.
How to Start Using Ethernet Cables
A large number of devices, including desktop computers, PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and smart TVs, are equipped with Ethernet ports. In order to connect these devices to your network, all you have to do is plug an Ethernet cable into the device's port and then connect the other end to your router via an Ethernet cable. The cable will click into both ends of the connector, securing the connection.
While some devices will instantly connect as soon as you do this, in other cases, you may need to go into the network options and instruct the device to use an Ethernet connection rather than a Wi-Fi connection.
Many other devices, such as the Nintendo Switch and the latest generation of MacBooks, lack an Ethernet port. It is possible to purchase a USB to Ethernet adapter in these situations. Using a USB-A (Switch) or USB-C (MacBook) port, this device connects to your device and then allows you to connect an Ethernet cable as you would normally do. It comes at an additional cost, and using the dongle is a bit of a hassle, but the increased speed is well worth it.
It is possible that you will encounter the common roadblock of physical limitations if you decide to begin using Ethernet cables. When your router is located a long distance away from the device you wish to connect, it may not be possible to run a cable all the way across your house or drill a hole through the floor, among other options.
If this is a concern for you, you might want to consider using powerline adapters. The devices in this category are those that plug into power outlets near the device you want to connect as well as your router. Network signals are transmitted across your home's existing power lines by connecting each end of an Ethernet cable to the other end of the cable. It is not quite as dependable as a true Ethernet connection, but it can be useful in situations where there are no other alternatives.
Finally, most routers are equipped with four Ethernet ports for connecting devices to the router. A network switch can be purchased if you want to connect more than one computer. Basic switches are simple devices that connect to an Ethernet port on your router and expand the number of available Ethernet slots.
