Technically, an Ethernet cable connection is supposed to provide speeds two to three times faster than Wi-Fi technologies, which is the main reason users and professionals prefer wired connections. However, many users face a different reality where wireless network speeds show better performance than cables, which may seem illogical at first glance.
Hardware Factors: Cable and Connector Quality
Not all network cables are equal in performance; continuous technological development has made using old or low-quality cables a real obstacle to speed. Here are the most important points related to hardware:
- Cable Category: You must ensure using cables of at least Cat5 category or better. The category can be identified through the text printed on the outer jacket of the cable.
- Connector Type: Avoid cables made of Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA), as these cables tend to degrade and break quickly. The optimal alternative is cables made of Pure Copper.
- Physical Damage: Cables rely on twisted pairs of wires; any defect in the twist degree of these wires or damage to the outer jacket may lead to a sharp drop in speed. Also, damage to the ports in the router or computer can significantly limit the data transfer rate.
Software Settings and Drivers
The problem may not lie in the wire itself, but in how the system manages the connection. Drivers play a pivotal role, as using outdated network adapter or router drivers may limit performance, especially after operating system updates.
Furthermore, there are technical settings that may cause unjustified slowness, such as the "Ethernet Energy-Efficient" feature found in Windows and Mac systems, which may reduce performance to save energy. Also, power management settings in Windows may lead to temporarily shutting down the network adapter, affecting the stability and speed of the connection.
Security Threats and Bandwidth Consumption
The role of malware in draining internet speed cannot be overlooked. Spyware, trojans, and worms consume bandwidth through hidden background tasks. In advanced cases, routers themselves may be infected with malware, as happened in the famous VPNFilter attack that infected hundreds of thousands of routers and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices in 2018, leading to data theft and traffic disruption.
What Actually Changes?
If you are suffering from a slow Ethernet connection while Wi-Fi works efficiently, the problem is not necessarily with the Internet Service Provider (ISP), but rather with one of the local elements. A logical sequence in troubleshooting should be followed:
- Test the cable: Replace the current cable with another certified pure copper one.
- Check ports: Try another port on the router or computer.
- Update software: Make sure network drivers are updated and network power-saving features are disabled.
- Security scan: Perform a thorough scan of the device and router to ensure they are free of malware.
In the end, if the Wi-Fi speed is high while Ethernet is very slow, the problem is likely related to one of the factors mentioned above and not the service limits imposed by the internet service provider.