Wireless v Ethernet cable

xraycat87 · 14 Jul 2015 at 17:19

Hello,

Now I've got back into PC gaming I want to get the best possible connection from my router.

Now the way the room is set, my PC is around 3-4 metres away from the router in an open space getting a solid 5 bar connection.

However if I were to use an Ethernet cable, I would need 20-30m worth.

Now, which one would be a faster connection?

BattFink · 14 Jul 2015 at 17:24

A wired ethernet connection will always provide a more stable network environment (excluding any cabling faults etc..)

I've still yet to see a wireless connection outperform a wired ethernet connection

hood1971 · 14 Jul 2015 at 17:25

Cable will give you a faster connection and if possible I would always go for this option first - but you might have a fast enough connection with the wireless connection.

Rozzy85 · 14 Jul 2015 at 17:38

Ethernet is superior, even with the added length. You'd probably get slightly better latency and the connection would be reliable 100% of the time. The wireless is probably sufficient enough anyway being so close. It depends on your needs and if you do anything on the network other than just using the Internet.

Tealc · 14 Jul 2015 at 17:47

Wired Ethernet is better, generally, than any form of wireless or powerline solutions.

There's no retraining to do, no interference from your neighbours wifi and there next to no basic latency between your computer and the router. An occasional dropped packet due to interference or someone using the microwave doesn't matter if you are browsing but can affect your gaming if it occurs often enough.

xraycat87 · 14 Jul 2015 at 18:09

In terms of speed wireless seems quite far, in the house I can only pick up 3 other routers compared to the 20+ I did in London. May look into a decent cable. It's more for on line gaming. Downloading has always been at it's peak.