Wi-Fi or Ethernet? Which one is better for live streaming or gaming? Well, this goes back to the most basic question anyway. If you work or do something on the internet, just browse or chat on social media. This discussion may be less interesting to discuss.
It looks like it’s the same between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. However, if your activities are like content creators who need live streaming, playing games, remote work, etc. This discussion is quite important because the quality of the internet connection between Wi-Fi and Ethernet is very different.
It doesn’t feel like it when you’re just playing social media and watching YouTube. However, during the Zoom meeting, live streaming, and gaming activities it feels like it.
Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
In discussing this article, we will try to discuss further the advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Let’s discuss them one by one.
1. Ease of Mobility
If your work requires you to be mobile here and there, move from one room to another, for example, for meeting activities in the office. Of course, Wi-Fi is a solution compared to Ethernet. An Ethernet connection requires a cable and cannot be moved to various locations at will.
In addition, the Ethernet cable plug holes are no longer pinned on the new thin laptops. If the computer is still there, but the laptop including the newest Mac Book is also gone. So you need to buy an additional device in the form of an Ethernet to USB Adapter if you want to use a wired connection.
2. Network Connection Stability
Talking about the stability of network connections, of course, Ethernet is better than Wi-Fi connections. Strenuous activities such as live streaming, gaming, and Zoom meetings require a stable internet connection.
If you use a Wi-Fi connection for activities like the above, you will most likely experience interruptions or a decrease in network quality at certain times. A decrease in the quality of the Wi-Fi network can occur for various reasons, it could be because your location is a dead spot, and many are blocked by walls, concrete, etc. Not to mention the distractions that might affect the Wi-Fi connection, such as smart phones, Bluetooth speakers, neighbors’ Wi-Fi connections, etc.
3. Internet Connection Speed
In the test that I’ve done regarding Wi-Fi or Ethernet internet connection speed, the winner is Ethernet. The results are quite different if the subscription package from the ISP is 300 Mbps. With a Wi-Fi internet connection, the maximum is only around a hundred Mbps. When plugged from the modem into the laptop via an Ethernet connection, the internet speed can be above that.
Indeed, in theory, Wi-Fi internet speed can outperform Ethernet, but regarding the consistency of internet connection speed, Ethernet is superior to Wi-Fi.
4. Latencies
Latency or also known as “ping” is the time it takes for data to arrive at its destination and is measured in milliseconds. It is very important to the effect of this latency on activities such as live streaming and gaming. Ethernet is superior in this regard, where the latency using a wired connection is smaller than a Wi-Fi connection. One of the effects of too high latency on live streaming activities is usually that the picture and sound don’t match.
Sometimes his mouth was babbling, but his voice came out too late, it could be the other way around. If while playing the game it could be that other friends have started playing the game, you are still loading it until the internet connection is optimal, and that’s quite funny.
5. Security
Speaking of security, data is sent via an Ethernet connection because it is directly connected to the network. Then the possibility of data loss or exposure to hacking attacks becomes smaller.
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi connections on public networks are very insecure, when you transmit sensitive data or credentials, it is possible that other people can snoop on your passwords or hijack your Wi-Fi connection. So never carelessly do financial transactions on public or public Wi-Fi. There are places like libraries, airports, and parks in big cities that like to give free hotspots. You better avoid it, unless you only use TikTok, it’s still practically safe and fun.
Which One to Choose?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, indeed, if you plug in a cable, your movements will be more limited. Even if you use Wi-Fi at least you will face the following problems:
- Signals that go up and down
- Higher latency
- Decreased internet speed
But for those three things, you won’t feel it if the activity you are doing is just browsing and social media.
However, if your activities are live streaming, downloading and uploading, gaming, and Zoom meetings, it’s a good idea to use an Ethernet connection. That’s an explanation of the internet using Wi-Fi and Ethernet as well as an explanation and also some of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Hope this is useful.