Not being able to find a Wi-Fi connection is enough to annoy anyone these days. But worse than that, having a slow Wi-Fi connection is sure to raise anybody’s blood pressure. Even in the age of wireless technology, cables and wires are an essential part of making any machine work right. When a smartphone, computer, or any other device is connected wirelessly, the modem/router that wireless signal comes from is still using Ethernet cables. These cables may be providing the Internet signal indirectly, but they are still an integral part of the process.

There are different categories out there and the type used will determine how fast electronics can operate online. If a page is loading slow, a better quality Ethernet cable can potentially make those connections go faster. It also helps to know how much data the average online task uses. Something simple like downloading a picture should go fast on any Ethernet cable whereas more data-heavy tasks like streaming videos can put strain on weaker connections.

These factors ring true for both wired and wireless connections, although from a technical standpoint those can be two very different things. Speaking of things that are different, being in a building that supports fiber optic cable over Ethernet can also make a huge difference. Understanding the basics of these concepts can ensure you understand what steps can be taken to make your Internet faster.

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi is an aging argument that can be boiled down rather simply. Ethernet cables provide a stronger signal that results in faster Internet speeds but limit the mobility of electronics. Furthermore, many handheld electronics do not have an Ethernet port as an option. Wi-Fi allows any device within range to access the Internet but tends to run slower. Not to mention the signal can have difficulty reaching through walls made of more solid materials like concrete or brick. In a nutshell, Ethernet is the way to go for strong Internet signals while Wi-Fi works best for convenience and mobility. These two methods can be combined by using high-quality Ethernet cables with a modem/router, but how much Internet speeds will improve also depends on the specs of the modem/router itself.

Ethernet vs. Fiber Optics

Ethernet is a traditional cable; the cable uses copper to carry electrical signals. Fiber optic is a new form of cable that uses light (lasers) to send signals instead. Both cables function on the same principle but fiber optic has a few advantages. Firstly, light moves faster than electricity, meaning fiber cables support faster data speeds. Secondly, light does not generate any equivalent to electromagnetic interference (EMI) found in electric-based cables, so there is less signal loss. In terms of quality, fiber optic comes out on top. However, fiber is still fairly new so many electronic devices are not fiber ready. While this can be remedied using fiber converters, the question of “fiber or Ethernet” is still a ways away from having the simple answer of “fiber”.

Wired Solutions from ShowMeCables

ShowMeCables carries every type of cable available for Internet connectivity. This includes pre-made Ethernet and fiber optic patch cables, bulk cable, connectors, installation tools, and more. Our site features a number of installation guides for assembling your own cables as well.

Have questions about Ethernet, fiber optic, or any of our other products? You can reach our Sales team at 1-888-519-9505 or Sales@ShowMeCables.com