What Is AT&T Internet Air? And How to Get It
AT&T Internet Air is a wireless, 5G internet service that can provide reliable speeds with simple, affordable pricing. The service is currently available in limited markets.
Is Wi-Fi or Ethernet Better for Gaming?
When it comes to gaming, every split second counts. This is why it is imperative for your internet connection to be fast and reliable. When it comes to your internet connection, there are certain factors that gamers can control. Whether you choose to use Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection is one of them.
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need Fast Internet for Gaming?
- What is Wi-Fi?
- What is Ethernet?
- Is Wi-Fi or Ethernet Better for Gaming?
- FAQ
Summary
Ethernet is far and away the better choice for competitive gamers who value a smooth, quick connection. Wi-Fi is perfectly suited for a casual play style and is great for handheld or mobile gaming. Ethernet connections give your gaming device a direct connection that makes the most of your high-speed internet plan, optimizing your gaming experience overall.
Why Do You Need Fast Internet for Gaming?
If you’ve ever played a game online before, then you know just how crucial a fast, reliable internet connection can be. With more people than ever before spending time home and using the internet, network traffic has increased dramatically. Internet technology has also advanced with more folks having access to broadband than ever before, and this figure is rising, meaning more people are getting into online hobbies. Hobbies that directly correspond with internet connectivity include social media use, music and video streaming, learning new skills, and gaming.
Online gaming differs from other activities because it relies heavily on a fast two-way connection, also known as latency – or ping. When playing a game online, data from the game’s server needs to be transmitted to your device, and the data from your device needs to be transmitted back to the server. This process takes only milliseconds, but even the slightest network disruption, or lag, can severely hinder your game performance. This is why it is imperative for gamers to seek out the fastest, most reliable internet connection available.
Once you have found your perfect high-speed internet plan, it is time to determine what type of internet connection you wish to utilize inside your home. Gamers can either opt to use their home Wi-Fi network, or they can use a dedicated Ethernet connection that runs directly from their gaming device (whether it’s a PC or a video game console) to the modem.
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What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is the wireless internet network present inside your home, or other buildings such as restaurants, malls and stores. Your Wi-Fi network connects your wired internet connection from your internet service provider to your wireless devices, such as phones, tablets and laptops through a router. The router communicates to your devices through the use of radio signals which creates a wireless network.
Many people also choose to connect their video game consoles to the internet via Wi-Fi. This means that just about every device in your home is sharing this same Wi-Fi network simultaneously. Needless to say, unless your internet plan has very fast speeds or a large bandwidth, you will experience slowdowns. Even microwave ovens can interfere with your Wi-Fi strength! Combine this with the fact that your neighbors’ Wi-Fi networks tend to interfere with your own, a Wi-Fi connection for intense gaming may not be the wisest choice. Networks can become clogged very quickly.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet most commonly refers to a local, wired connection between computers or networking technologies, often used in local area networks (or LANs). This is in contrast with the larger Internet, which is comprised of wide area networks (or WANs). Read more about the differences between Ethernet and Internet.
An Ethernet cable can be connected from your home’s modem to your device. This is most useful with stationary hardware such as desktop computers but can also be extremely useful for gaming devices. Ethernet cables can provide much faster speeds than Wi-Fi can because the connection is dedicated and direct, meaning there will never be any interference. Your gaming device will always get your internet plan’s best speeds. The only factor holding back your speed is the physical Ethernet cable that you decide to purchase, and how far away your device is from your modem.
Is Wi-Fi or Ethernet Better for Gaming?
Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections each have their pros and cons. Wi-Fi is super convenient. Most gaming devices, including video game consoles, have Wi-Fi capabilities built right in. That means when it’s time to connect your game system for the first time, the setup process takes only a couple minutes. You can then place your game system as far away from your router as you want. Of course, factors such as obstruction and other devices interfering with your Wi-Fi signal should be considered, but are not necessarily mandatory. Gaming on Wi-Fi is perfect for a casual gaming experience on a stationary device or for playing mobile games on a handheld device, phone or tablet.
Gaming with an Ethernet connection is meant for more intense online gaming because you need every advantage possible when every millisecond matters. If there are factors under your control that you can upgrade for a one-time, relatively inexpensive cost, that is completely worth it if you are serious about gaming. Whether you treat gaming as a pastime, passion or profession, Ethernet is the way to go for hardcore gamers.
Consult the table below to learn more about gaming with Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet.
| Connection | Cost | Top Speeds | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Usually extra router fee from ISP, plus cost of internet plan | Rare to receive up to 940 Mbps | Very convenient, most gaming devices have built-in Wi-Fi | Choppy connections, network interference | Casual gaming, mobile gaming |
| Ethernet | Cables can run between $5-$25 for <100 meters, plus cost of internet plan and router fee | Certain Ethernet cables can reach up to 10 Gbps | Consistent speeds, low latency, reliable network connection | Requires visible cables, may have to run through rooms | Intense, online gaming |
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a high-speed internet plan?
Consult National Broadband today to find the best internet plans at your address. Find offers in minutes!
Are Ethernet cables expensive?
The price of an Ethernet cable directly corresponds to its speed capabilities and its length. For most homes, you only need a cable that is less than 15 or 30 meters in length. High-quality Ethernet cables of this category rarely cost more than $25, and that is a one-time cost.
Can I game on Wi-Fi?
Yes, gaming on Wi-Fi is a perfectly fine choice. Wi-Fi can usually support high speeds and creates a fine overall experience, especially for casual gaming. However, if you are serious about gaming, definitely go for an Ethernet connection.
