Wireless networks have become an integral part of our lives, but even the most modern Wi-Fi 6E can't compare in stability to a classic wired connection. Switching from Wi-Fi on Ethernet relevant for gamers, streamers, owners Smart TV 4K/8K and those working with large files. In this article, we'll explore why. Even a gigabit router with MU-MIMO support can lose to a cheap Cat 5e cable. — and how to properly organize the transition without losing the connection.
The main advantages of a wired connection are not only speed, but also no delays (ping), resistance to interference from neighboring networks and microwave ovens, as well as less load on the device’s processor (your laptop or TV-box (It won't waste resources processing the Wi-Fi signal.) However, simply plugging the cable into the port isn't enough: you need to properly configure traffic priorities, check hardware compatibility, and sometimes even update the router's firmware. Below are step-by-step instructions for different devices and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why Ethernet is Better than Wi-Fi: A Comparison of 5 Key Parameters
Before rushing out for a cable, let's figure out in which scenarios a wired connection is truly worthwhile. Here's an objective comparison based on key criteria:
| Parameter | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Ethernet (Cat 5e/6) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | Up to 9.6 Gbps (theoretically), in reality – 1-3 Gbps | 1 Gbps (Cat 5e), 10 Gbps (Cat 6a) |
| Latency (ping) | 10-50 ms (depending on interference) | 1-5 ms (stable) |
| Interference resistance | Suffers from neighboring networks, household appliances | Not susceptible to radio interference |
| Security | Vulnerable to traffic interception (even with WPA3) | Traffic is transmitted only via cable |
| Device load | Requires signal processing by the processor | Minimum load |
As can be seen from the table, Ethernet It wins on all counts except mobility. But there are some nuances:
- 🎮 For gamers: difference in
pingbetween 10ms and 50ms can mean victory or defeat in CS2 or Valorant. - 📺 For Smart TV: 4K streaming on Netflix or YouTube requires a stable 25 Mbps - there will be no lag with a cable.
- 💻 For work: Downloading large files (for example, video for editing) via cable is 30-40% faster.
- 📶 Exception: if your router and device support Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), the speed gap is reduced to 10-15%.
⚠️ Note: If your internet plan is below 100 Mbps, you won't notice a difference between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Check your speed on Speedtest before the transition.
What equipment is needed to migrate to Ethernet?
To switch from a wireless to a wired network, make sure you have the following:
- Network cable:
- 🔌 Cat 5e — sufficient for speeds up to 1 Gbps (suitable for 90% of users).
- 🔌 Cat 6 — up to 10 Gbps at a distance of up to 55 meters (needed for servers or NAS).
- 🔌 Cat 6a/7 — for professional purposes (studios, offices).
- 🖥️ For PC: PCIe card (For example, TP-Link TG-3468).
- 💻 For laptop: USB-Ethernet adapter (recommended) Anker USB-C to Ethernet).
- 📱 For smartphone: adapter USB-C/Lightning to Ethernet (not supported by all models!).
If you connect Smart TV or a gaming console (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X), check the presence of the port RJ-45 on the back panel. On older TV models (for example, Samsung Series 6 2018) there can only be Wi-Fi.
The length of the cable is also important:
- 📏 Up to 5 meters — Cat 5e without loss of speed.
- 📏 5-20 meters is better Cat 6.
- 📏 More than 30 meters - will be required signal amplifier or fiber optic.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use the "cheapest" cables without shielding—they can create interference and reduce speed. Look for the markings. UTP (unshielded) for short distances at home only.
Step-by-step instructions: how to connect a PC or laptop to Ethernet
Switching from Wi-Fi to a computer cable is the simplest scenario. Follow this algorithm:
Make sure the router is turned on and distributing the Internet|Check for a free RJ-45 port on the router|Prepare a cable of the required length|Disable Wi-Fi on the device (optional)-->
- Physical connection:
- 🔌 Insert one end of the cable into the port
LANon the router (usually yellow). - 🔌 The other end goes to the PC network card or laptop adapter.
- 🔌 Insert one end of the cable into the port
If your router has multiple ports, choose any available one (usually numbered 1-4). Port WAN (often blue) - to connect to the provider, do not use it!
Start → Settings → Network & Internet → EthernetThe system should automatically obtain an IP address. If the connection fails:
Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Ethernet → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Obtain an IP address automaticallyTo avoid conflicts, you can disable the wireless network:
Win + A → Click on the Wi-Fi icon → DisableOr through device Manager (disconnect the adapter Wireless Network Adapter).
Launch Speedtest and compare the results with Wi-Fi. If the speed is lower than expected, check:
- 🔍 Cable quality (damage, kinks).
- 🔍 Router settings (possibly speed limitation by MAC address).
- 🔍 Network card drivers (update via
device Manager).
If the Internet does not appear after connecting, check:
- 🔥 Are the indicators on the router (ports) lit?
LANshould blink). - 🔥 Is Ethernet disabled in the BIOS (relevant for PCs).
- 🔥 Is your antivirus blocking the connection (for example, Kaspersky or ESET).
Configuring your router to prioritize Ethernet over Wi-Fi
By default, most routers prioritize wired connections, but sometimes manual configuration is required. This is especially important if you use both connection types simultaneously (for example, Wi-Fi for smartphones and Ethernet for PC).
Instructions for popular router models:
- 📡 TP-Link (Archer, Deco):
192.168.0.1 → Advanced → QoS → Add Rule → Select device by MAC address → Priority: Highest - 📡 ASUS (RT-AX, GT-AX):
192.168.1.1 → Adaptive QoS → Bandwidth Limiter → Enable prioritization for LAN ports - 📡 Keenetic:
my.keenetic.net → Applications → QoS → Create a rule for Ethernet traffic - 📡 MikroTik:
Winbox → Queues → Simple Queues → Add rule for interface ether1
If your router does not support QoS (Quality of Service), you can go another way:
- Turn it off Wi-Fi for a specific device by
MAC address. - Set up static IP for Ethernet connection (in the section
DHCP Reservation). - Set a speed limit for Wi-Fi clients (if the router supports it)
Bandwidth Control).
⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic Lite) Wi-Fi is prioritized by default. Check the settings in the section System Monitor → Traffic.
How to find the MAC address of your device?
In Windows: ipconfig /all (look for the line "Physical address").
On MacOS: ifconfig | grep ether.
On Android: Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address (Ethernet requires an adapter).
Switching to Ethernet for Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, and Game Consoles
Connecting a TV or console via cable has its own nuances. The main problem is that many devices default to using Wi-Fi, even if Ethernet is connected. Let's figure out how to fix this.
Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi)
- Connect the cable to the port
LANon the back of the TV. - Go to network settings:
- 📺 Samsung:
Settings → General → Network → Open network settings → Cable - 📺 LG (webOS):
Settings → Network → Cable connection - 📺 Sony (Android TV):
Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet
- 📺 Samsung:
Get Help → Check Network).Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
- 🎮 PlayStation 5/4:
Settings → Network → Internet Connection Setup → Use LAN cable → Configure manually (select IP automatically)On PS5 After connecting the cable, a software update may be required.
- 🎮 Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One:
Settings → General → Network Settings → Network Setup → Wired NetworkXbox automatically tests your speed and
MTU(optimal value is 1500). - 🎮 Nintendo Switch:
Official required USB-Ethernet adapter from Nintendo (costs ~2000₽). Connects to a docking station.
For consoles, this parameter is critical NAT Type:
- 🟢
NAT Type 1 (Open)- ideal for online gaming. - 🟡
NAT Type 2 (Moderate)- lags are possible in some games. - 🔴
NAT Type 3 (Strict)- problems with multiplayer.
If NAT has not changed after connecting the cable, check:
- 🔧 Settings
UPnPon the router (must be enabled). - 🔧 Rules
Port Forwardingfor a specific console. - 🔧 Mode
DMZ(not recommended for safety reasons!).
Common problems and their solutions
Even with a proper connection, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| There is internet via Wi-Fi, but no cable. | The port on the router is disabled, the cable is damaged | Check the indicators on the router, replace the cable |
| Ethernet speed is lower than Wi-Fi speed. | Router limitation, old drivers | Update your network card driver and check your QoS settings. |
| "Unidentified Network" in Windows | Incorrect IP settings | Set the IP manually or reset the network settings |
| The TV/console doesn't detect the cable connection. | The port is disabled in the device settings. | Reset network settings to factory defaults |
| High ping in games despite Ethernet | Problems on the provider's side | Check through tracert or contact support |
If none of the solutions helped, run diagnostics:
- 🛠️ For Windows:
Win + R → cmd → ipconfig /release → ipconfig /renew → ping 8.8.8.8(if the ping works, but there is no internet, the problem is in the DNS).
- 🛠️ For router: reset to factory settings (
Resetbutton for 10 seconds). - 🛠️ For cable: Check the integrity with a tester or connect to another device.
⚠️ Attention: If the Internet is completely lost after resetting the router, check the settings PPPoE (logins/passwords from the provider are usually specified in the contract).
How to install cables in an apartment without renovations
One of the main challenges when switching to Ethernet is the need to run cables throughout the entire apartment. Here are a few ways to do this neatly:
- 🏠 Skirting cable channels:
Transparent or colored boxes (eg Legrand DLP) are attached over the baseboard. Cost: from 100₽ per meter.
- 🏠 Floor boxes:
Ideal for rental properties. Can be used cable ladders (For example, Voko).
- 🏠 Powerline adapters:
The Internet is transmitted through electrical wiring (for example, TP-Link AV1000). Speed up to 1 Gbps, but depends on the quality of the wiring.
⚠️ Please note: Powerline may not work in homes with older wiring or if the router and adapter are connected to different circuit breakers.
- 🏠 Wi-Fi bridges (for extreme cases):
If cable routing is not possible, use a pair of devices Wi-Fi Bridge (For example, Ubiquiti NanoStation).
For hidden installation (if you are ready for minor repairs):
- Use corrugated pipe 16 mm in diameter for cable protection.
- Lay the cable parallel to the electrical wiring (no closer than 30 cm).
- Avoid sharp corners - the bending radius should be at least 4 cm.
If the cable needs to be passed through a doorway, use overhead thresholds with a cable channel (for example, Fakro).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to use Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time on one device?
Technically yes, but it's pointless—traffic will only flow through one channel (usually Ethernet has priority). You can configure this in Windows. network merging (Network Bridge), but this is only relevant for specific tasks (for example, distributing the Internet from a PC to other devices).
Why didn't the speed change after connecting the cable?
Possible reasons:
- Your provider's tariff is lower than 100 Mbps (check your contract).
- The cable is damaged or of poor quality (try Cat 6).
- MAC address speed limitation is enabled on the router.
- The network card driver is out of date (update via
device Manager).
Should I disable Wi-Fi on my router after switching to Ethernet?
Not necessarily. Wi-Fi can be reserved for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets). The main thing is to configure it. QoS on the router so that wired devices have priority. If the router is weak (for example, TP-Link TL-WR841N), it is better to turn off Wi-Fi to reduce the load.
Which cable should I choose to connect to a router at a distance of 30 meters?
Optimal options:
- Cat 6 S/FTP (shielded) - guaranteed to support 1 Gbit/s at 55 meters.
- Cat 5e UTP - can work at 30 meters, but packet loss is possible.
- If you need a speed higher than 1 Gbps, only Cat 6a or fiber optic.
Avoid "Chinese no-names" - buy proven brands: Patchcord, Cablexpert, Legrand.
Is it possible to connect a smartphone to Ethernet?
Yes, but you will need:
- Adapter USB-C/Lightning to Ethernet (For example, Anker PowerExpand).
- OTG support on your smartphone (most flagships after 2018 support it).
- Manual IP setup (Android may require an app) Ethernet Adapter).
On iPhone Only original adapters work Apple USB-C to Ethernet (price ~3500₽).