Why is Wi-Fi internet speed higher than a local network—and how to fix it?

You connected your computer or TV to the router via a network cable, expecting maximum speed, but the test shows that The Internet works faster via Wi-Fi, than a wired connection? This seems absurd, given that wired networks have always been considered more stable and efficient. However, this situation is more common than you might think, and there are logical explanations for it.

In this article we will look at real reasons, why is the speed Ethernet may sag lower than Wi-Fi 5/6, which router settings and equipment influence this, and what specific steps can be taken to restore wired connections to their well-deserved leadership. You'll also learn when such network behavior is normal and when it signals a problem.

Spoiler: in 80% of cases the problem is solved in 10 minutes with simple settings, but sometimes the culprit is hardware limitations of Gigabit Ethernet ports on low-end devices — and then equipment replacement will be required.

1. Why Wi-Fi can be faster than Ethernet: Physical reasons

Let's start with a paradox: wireless network is overtaking wired - How is this possible? After all, according to theory Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) gives the maximum 866 Mbps on stream, and Gigabit Ethernet - whole 1 GbpsHowever, in practice, the picture is different. Here are the key factors:

• 🔌 Restricting LAN ports on a router: many budget models (for example, TP-Link TL-WR840N or D-Link DIR-615) have ports Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps), not Gigabit. Moreover, the Wi-Fi module in them already supports 802.11ac.
• 🖥️ Outdated network card on PC: If your computer was manufactured before 2015, there is a good chance that it has an adapter 100 Mbps, and not 1 Gbps.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Multi-Streaming: modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) are used MU-MIMO And 160 MHz channels, which allows you to achieve speeds 1.2–2 Gbps under ideal conditions, whereas Ethernet is limited to one channel.
• 🔄 Duplex mode: if the cable or port is in the mode Half-Duplex (and not Full-Duplex), the throughput drops by half.

A simple test: connect the cable to a different port on the router (if you have more than one) and check the speed again. If it increases, the problem is with the physical port. If not, look deeper for the cause.

2. Software settings: where LAN speed is lost

Even if your hardware supports it Gigabit Ethernet, the speed may be artificially limited by the settings. Here's what to check first:

⚠️ Attention: Before changing network card settings, write down the current settings - incorrect values ​​may lead to loss of connection.

• 🛠️ Network card driver: Outdated or "native" Windows drivers often limit speed. Download the latest version from the manufacturer's website (for example, for Realtek RTL8168 or Intel I219-V).
• ⚙️ Energy saving settings: V Device Manager disable the option "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" in the adapter properties.
• 📊 MTU and auto-negotiation: if value MTU overstated (for example, 1500 instead of optimal 1472), packets are fragmented, which reduces speed. Also, check that fragmentation is enabled in your router settings. Auto Negotiation for LAN ports.
• 🔒 QoS and MAC restrictions: some router firmware (for example, Keenetic) by default limit the speed for wired devices. Check the section QoS or Bandwidth control.

How to check the current port speed in Windows:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right click on Ethernet, select Status → Speed.
3. If it is indicated there 100 Mbps instead of 1.0 Gbps — the problem is in the hardware or software.

Check your network card model in Device Manager|

Update the driver from the manufacturer's official website|

Turn off power saving for the adapter|

Make sure the cable is connected to the Gigabit Ethernet port (usually marked yellow)|

Check your router's QoS settings-->

3. The cable is at fault: how to check and replace it

One of the most common culprits of speed loss is network cableEven if it appears intact on the outside, the internal wires may be damaged. Here's what's important to know:

• 🔗 Cable category: for speed 1 Gbps you need a cable no lower Cat 5e. Cat 5 supports only 100 Mbps! Check the markings on the casing.
• ⚡ Cable length: for lengths over 50 meters even Cat 6 may not provide stable GigabitThe optimal length is up to 30 meters.
• 🔌 Damage and interference: the cable should not be placed near sources of electromagnetic interference (microwaves, refrigerators, powerful power supplies).
• 🔄 Crimping connectors: if the cable is crimped incorrectly (for example, not according to the standard T568B), the speed will drop to 10–100 Mbps.

How to quickly check a cable:

1. Connect it to another device (eg laptop) and check the speed.
2. Try a different cable (preferably Cat 6) on the same router port.
3. Inspect the connectors RJ-45 - If the contacts are dull or bent, replace them.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap "no-name" cables often don't match the stated category. If the jacket says Cat 6, but there are thin wires inside or there is no screen - the speed will be lower.

How to crimp a cable correctly?

To crimp according to the T568B standard, arrange the wires in the connector in the following order (from left to right):

1. White and orange

2. Orange

3. White and green

4. Blue

5. White and blue

6. Green

7. White and brown

8. Brown

After crimping, check the connection with a tester or by connecting to a router.

4. Router settings: where to look for restrictions

Sometimes the problem lies in the router firmware or configuration. Here are the key parameters to check:

Pay special attention to the section QoS (Quality of Service)Some firmware (for example, on routers) Zyxel) by default limit the speed for wired devices, giving priority to Wi-Fi. Disable QoS temporarily and check the speed again.

If you have a router with alternative firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT), check the settings Switch ConfigurationSometimes LAN ports are bound to VLAN with speed limit.

5. Problems on the provider's side: when it's not your fault

Although rare, it can happen that the internet provider itself imposes restrictions. Here are some signs that the problem is on their end:

• 📡 Different speeds on Wi-Fi and LAN only when testing through speedtest.net, but not when downloading files.
• 🔄 Speed ​​drops during peak hours (in the evening), but during the day everything is fine.
• 📊 The provider's personal account shows a tariff with port restrictions. (For example, 100 Mbps over Ethernet, 300 Mbps over Wi-Fi).

What to do:

1. Call support and check if there is connection type restrictions in your tariff.
2. Try connecting the cable directly to your computer (bypassing the router) and check the speed. If it increases, the problem is with the router.
3. Use alternative servers for testing (eg. fast.com from Netflix or speed.cloudflare.com).

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (especially in apartment buildings) artificially limit the speed Ethernet To combat "pirate" routers sharing internet with neighbors. If you suspect this, demand an official explanation.

6. When it's not a problem: Normal cases of Wi-Fi superiority

Higher Wi-Fi speeds aren't always an anomaly. There are situations where this normal network behavior:

• 🎮 Game consoles and TV set-top boxes: PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X often show more stable Wi-Fi speeds due to optimized drivers for wireless adapters.
• 📺 Smart TV 4K: televisions Samsung QLED or LG OLED with module Wi-Fi 6 can work better over the air than through the outdated port 100 Mbps.
• 🖥️ Laptops with modern Wi-Fi adapters: For example, Intel AX200 (V MacBook Pro or Dell XPS) supports 2.4 Gbps, while the built-in Ethernet port may be limited 2.5 Gbps (but only on expensive models).

If your device falls into one of these categories and the speed difference is not critical (for example, 300 Mbps via Wi-Fi vs. 200 Mbps via LAN), then there is nothing to worry about. But if the gap is significant (1 Gbps vs 100 Mbps) - see previous sections.

7. Diagnostics and step-by-step solution to the problem

To systematize your search for the cause, follow this algorithm:

1. Step 1: Check your equipment:
   • Make sure the router port and PC network card support Gigabit Ethernet.
   • Replace the cable with a known good one Cat 5e/Cat 6.
2. Step 2. Windows/macOS/Linux Settings:
   • Update your network card driver.
   • Disable power saving for the adapter.
   • Check your current connection speed in the Ethernet status.
3. Step 3. Router settings:
   • Turn it off QoS and check the speed.
   • Make sure the LAN port is in the correct mode. 1000 Mbps Full-Duplex.

Step 4. Testing:

• Check the speed on another device using the same cable.
• Connect your PC directly to your ISP's modem (bypassing the router).

If after all manipulations the speed via LAN remains lower than via Wi-Fi, most likely the problem is in hardware limitations (for example, the router port does not physically support Gigabit). In this case, only replacement of equipment will help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a virus or malware limit Ethernet speed?

Yes, some viruses (such as mining botnets) limit the speed of a wired connection to hide their traffic. Check your system with an antivirus (for example, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool) and look at the network load in Task Manager (tab Performance).

Why does cable speed drop at night but remain normal during the day?

This is a typical sign provider network congestion or DDoS attacks on his equipment. There may also be a problem with interference on the line (if you have ADSL or old GPON). Call your provider's support team and check if they're doing maintenance overnight.

How to check if a router port is working in 1000 Mbps mode?

Connect your device to it Gigabit Ethernet (for example, a modern PC) and look at the port statuses in the router's web interface (section System Monitor or Port status). If it is indicated there 100 Mbps, the port does not support Gigabit.

Is it possible to somehow "overclock" a 100 Mbps port to 1 Gbps?

No, this is a hardware limitation. The only solution is to replace the router or use Wi-Fi bridges (For example, TP-Link RE605X), if you need high speed without wires.

Why is my MacBook's Wi-Fi speed faster than my Windows PC's cable speed?

Modern MacBook (2018 and newer) are equipped with Wi-Fi adapters 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) with support 160 MHz channels, which gives up to 1.2–2 GbpsAt the same time, many Windows PCs are still equipped with network cards. 100 Mbps or cheap Realtek- adapters with bad drivers. Check the adapter model in Device Manager.