Does ethernet cable slow down WiFi? Well, that’s a good question. And it’s one that we’re often asked about here at The Wifi Specialist. As experts in both ethernet cable installation and WiFi design and implementation, our specialist WiFi engineers are here to answer your questions and provide tips that can speed up your connection.
These days, most homes and businesses use WiFi to connect their devices to the internet. However, when you have multiple users connecting to the same router, you will experience a notable drop in connection speed. As a result, network cable installation is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional WiFi installation.
Many people are installing ethernet cables to support their WiFi with their internet demands. If a specific device needs to be prioritised for file sharing, downloads, streaming or gaming, you can connect it directly to your router using an ethernet cable. With a direct link, you will see a boost in speeds for the chosen device.
For people using a combination of WiFi and ethernet internet connections, it makes sense to be wondering: does ethernet cable slow down WiFi? To answer your question, the network installation experts here at The Wifi Specialist have provided useful information about WiFi, ethernet cabling and the consequences of using both at the same time.
Does using an ethernet cable slow down WiFi for others?
If you are using both WiFi and ethernet internet, you’re probably wondering if the ethernet cable is slowing down the WiFi for others. Well, you don’t have to worry. Using an ethernet cable while other users are connected to WiFi will not slow down the internet connection. In fact, it will actually benefit the WiFi users.
Wireless internet speeds are dependent on how many users are connected at the same time. By removing a user from the WiFi network, the signal will not be stretched beyond its capacity. The user connected to the ethernet connection will also enjoy a boost in speed. As a result, there is no practically no downside to using WiFi and ethernet internet at the same time.
However, if you are using more devices than your bandwidth can handle, both your wired and wireless internet connections will suffer. If you are using your ethernet connected device for bandwidth-intensive tasks like downloading and sharing large files, it will eat up a lot of your available internet bandwidth. In this case, all other users may experience slower speeds.
WiFi vs Ethernet – what’s the difference?
Still unsure about the type of internet connection that you’re using for your business or home internet connection? Ethernet and WiFi connections both provide internet to your devices. Ethernet cables require a wired connection between your device and your router. Whereas WiFi transmits your internet signal wirelessly.
WiFi is the most popular form of internet technology in use today. However, ethernet connections are becoming more popular again as they offer a security and speed benefits when compared to WiFi. Some people worry that ethernet installation will leave messy wires all over their premises. With The Wifi Specialist, we will use specialist techniques to hide your cables away. This allows you to enjoy the neatness of WiFi, with the speed of ethernet.
Combining ethernet and WiFi in your home or business is an easy way to boost your network and relieve WiFi traffic. Now you know ethernet cable does not slow down WiFi for other users, you can confidently plug your devices in for internet-intensive tasks. If you have any more questions about WiFi or ethernet connection, contact The Wifi Specialist today.
Looking to upgrade your business internet connection with a combination of WiFi and ethernet connections? You need The Wifi Specialist!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between WiFi and ethernet cable internet?
Both ethernet cable and WiFi provide internet to your home and business devices. The difference is that ethernet connections require a wire between the device and the router. With WiFi, your internet connection is provided wirelessly by the router. However, you can use WiFi and ethernet cable at the same time. If you have more questions, contact The Wifi Specialist today.
Does using an ethernet cable slow down WiFi for others?
No, using an ethernet cable does not slow down WiFi for others connected to your network. It might even speed up your WiFi connection as it will have to service one less device. However, if your wired device is using lots of bandwidth for file sharing or downloading you may experience slower speeds. Contact The Wifi Specialist for expert ethernet and WiFi installation.
Can you use more than one ethernet cable?
Yes, you can use more than one ethernet cable. You can wire as many devices as there are ports available on your router. However, if you need more ethernet ports for your home or business, The Wifi Specialist can install additional ethernet switches. Some computers also have multiple ethernet ports. This allows you to connect several devices together and form a LAN network for easy file sharing and multiplayer gaming.
Contact The Wifi Specialist today for a quote or to arrange a no obligation survey
Our Happy Clients
I was struggling to get a decent wifi signal down to the garden office until the Wifi Specialists recommended a Point to Point kit. Now the internet is faster in the office than it is in the house. The guys did a great job installing too, keeping all the cabling very neat and hidden wherever possible. Even sorted out the TV aerial cable while they were doing the P2P cabling! Great service, strongly recommend.
Richard G
Couldn't recommend Indy more highly. They helped us implement an effective corporate wifi solution at very short notice. Communication throughout was excellent and we look forward to working with them again.
Francesca M
Indy and Rakki are first class guys, they did a professional job in record time and I ended up with a better router indoors as well as the Access point outdoors which now covers the whole garden. Definitely recommend the Wifi specialists.
John M
I'm absolute delighted with the service provided by The WiFi Specialist in running an ethernet cable out to my garden office. Indy was extremely helpful in discussion the options available to me, and recommending the right approach, and the work was carried out efficiently and with minimum disruption. I'm thrilled to now have a secure connection, and would definitely recommend The WiFi Specialist to anyone looking to improve connectivity.
Simon M
Excellent, knowledgeable, seamless experience with Indy and team. Not to mention my now perfect wifi!
Sarah K
I had been struggling with my wifi signal around my house for a number of years and the situation only got worse as we moved to remote working. After many attempts to get the issue addressed through the local ISP, I (my wife and kids) decided that I needed a specialist to come in. Indy made the whole process very simple from the initial site visit, design guidance and installation. I had my house refurbished a few years ago so adding new cabling around the house needed knowledge and experience. Indy and Rak did a great job at concealing the cat6 cables and provided a professional finish. I now have full wifi signal all around the house, garden and garage. I would highly recommend The Wi-Fi Specialist. Thank you.
Amarjit K
The IT service from this company was exemplary and resulted in a very good WiFi signal throughout the house. Indy was generous with his time and explained the technology well, without trying to sell equipment that would have been unnecessary for a domestic installation. He is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. It was a great pleasure to work with him.
Andy A
