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You may have noticed that your WiFi is noticeably faster than your wired Ethernet connection. Why is that?
Your WiFi speed can be higher than ethernet if there are issues with your ethernet connection like cable damage, outdated NIC driver, etc. If your ethernet equipment is of low quality, it will reduce your internet speed. So, even though ethernet is usually faster, sometimes your WiFi can surpass it.
Some facts that exist can slow down your speed of ethernet. In this article, I will point out the causes that can decrease ethernets’ speed. Stay with me to learn more about them.
Table of Contents
Can WiFi be Faster Than Ethernet?
Although it is highly unusual, there can be many reasons your ethernet is slower than WiFi.
First, find out the problem of your ethernet, and then you should look up the solutions available on the market. If you follow the proper test guideline to find out the problem, you can save some bucks without experts’ aid.
When testing the cable connection, I recommend you switch off the WiFi to get the precise speed result of your ethernet.
Nowadays, WiFi technology has advanced so much that it can deliver up to 600 Mbps with the help of 802.11n (WLAN) technology. If your device has a WiFi 6 card receiver, you will get the best WiFi experience available in the market.
In old times, 10 Mbps was the maximum internet speed you could get, and then ethernet equipment made for that speed.
If you use that old equipment along with your modern WiFi, you will surely get faster WiFi browsing speed than ethernet. I would highly recommend you get the latest ethernet gadgets available in the market, and they are worth upgrading. Using new ones, you could get over 1000 Mbps if your internet plan provides that much speed.
It would be handy to have any secondary device like a laptop, computer, or even a smart device that you can use to speed test your internet cable. Use that device to check the internets’ speed by using ethernet and WiFi to ensure the result.
Because sometimes the speed can be slow if your primary device is outdated or faulty. By doing this, you can confirm if your device’s fault or your ethernet is one to blame.
There can be some hardware issues that are causing the slower performance of your ethernet. I have seen this many times; a defective ethernet card prompts a slower internet connection. The best viable solution for this is to replace the card with a new one. If you do not feel confident enough to change the card by yourself, get an expert to change it.
A network adapter card also can slow down your ethernet’s speed. As it is also a hardware issue, replacing these drivers is the way you should go.
But one thing you should keep in your mind that these drivers are not widely available, so the better tactics would be to search for them on manufacturers’ websites.
A simple way to find out what is wrong with your ethernet connection is to switch to another ethernet port. By doing this, you will get a clear idea about your device’s ports as if they are operating perfectly or not.
A damaged port can decrease your internet browsing experience. You can also replace it with a new one.
If your ethernet port works properly, there can be issues with the broadband line of your internet connection. Your old cable can slow down the internet’s speed.
A cheap internet line is not ideal because it cannot deliver you a decent speed constantly. It will be worth buying a quality cable, and you will get a much better experience.
There are some diagnostic tools available in different operating systems to find out software or network issues. They can be your lifesaver if you cannot point out what is causing the ethernets’ speed problem.
One famous option in the Windows operating system is troubleshooting the network, which helps you find network issues. It will turn off the security software for a limited time to troubleshoot once more.
There are different troubleshooting options available for other devices.
How To Increase Your Ethernet Speed?
If you want to speed up your ethernet connection, then the CAT6 cable will help you. Using a short and fast line makes your internet connection faster than others. Currently, the CAT6 cable is the most advanced network cable you can buy.
Malware can seriously slow down your pc and internet speed. Because they are always running in the background and constantly using the internet to steal your data.
In that case, your system software and data cannot gain speed which causes slowing down your device. Scan your device deep using antivirus or visit an expert to get rid of the malware.
When you need the best speed of your internet, or you are in a hurry, do not use a VPN at all. It tends to slow down your internet connection as they have a limited number of servers worldwide.
I would suggest using a VPN with servers in almost every country if it is crucial to you.
If your ethernet connection is behaving unusually, such as disconnecting the network or slowing down, then the average speed, try restarting your device. Doing so will fix the software issues by resetting them.
Another simple hack is to turn off the ethernet connection driver and restart it a few seconds later. You will get a noticeable speed difference after that.
How To Increase Your WiFi Speed?
As I said earlier, hardware works perfectly after you reboot them and WiFi routers are also the same.
If your router does not function according to its specs or you are not getting your desired internet speed, then the first thing you should do is restart your WiFi. Sometimes only this simple trick can solve your problem.
You can increase the speed of your WiFi by relocating them to the right place in your home. Walls and other objects block your router’s signal, resulting in inadequate network coverage even when you live in a small flat.
So, try to place the router where you spend the most time in your home. If relocating is not possible, buy an additional WiFi extender, which will catch the network and give you extra coverage.
Most of the routers nowadays come with external antennas, and you can also adjust their direction. They send signals vertically with their position. So, figure out in which direction you need the signal stronger and adapt them according to your need.
The frequency bands of advanced routers are between 2.4GHz and 5 GHz. In the 2.4GHz band, you will get a more extensive range but not the maximum speed from your internet service provider.
In the 5Ghz band, the case is the opposite. With this band, you will get the top speed, but your network range would not be satisfying.
So, you need to recognize which band is suitable for you. I personally recommend the 5GHz band.
Sometimes too many devices are being connected to your router with no reason. You may overlook them, thinking they are not using the internet. But any smart devices that are connected with your WiFi are always using your internet in the background to keep their apps or functions updated.
Disconnect all the unnecessary devices using your WiFi, and you will instantly notice the speed difference.
Your internet speed depends on several factors other than what type of setup you have. And the content in this article should give you the insight to maximize your setup. Hopefully, you will enjoy the most out of your internet connection, be it WiFi or ethernet.
