Is WiFi or Ethernet faster?

• Ethernet is generally faster than WiFi.
• An Ethernet network may provide speeds up to 10Gbps or greater, while the fastest WiFi speeds today theoretically top out at 6.9Gbps, though actual WiFi speed available users tends to be much slower – usually less than 1Gbps.
   

For enterprises considering the best way to provide users with the speed and bandwidth they need to be productive, the choice often comes down to WiFi or Ethernet connectivity. Both offer advantages, but is WiFi or Ethernet faster when it comes to working with bandwidth-intensive applications and downloading large files? Here’s a brief introduction on “Is WiFi or Ethernet faster?” that provides some answers.

Is WiFi or Ethernet faster?

Ethernet is faster than WiFi. Ethernet service providers today offer speeds of 10Gbps or higher, while WiFi connections theoretically max out at 6.9Gbps, with actual speed maxing out at less than 1Gbps.

Is WiFi or Ethernet faster in practice?

For routine applications – email, spreadsheets, word processing – users may not notice a difference between WiFi and Ethernet in practice. But when downloading large files, backing up data, streaming video or connecting with colleagues via audio conferencing, the faster speed and higher bandwidth of Ethernet connections will have a significant impact on productivity and quality.

Is WiFi or Ethernet faster when expanding a network?

As organizations consider the best way to connect a growing number of devices, WiFi may be acceptable for laptops, cell phones and tablets. But to connect devices like VoIP phone systems, surveillance cameras, monitoring system, LED lighting and desktops, an Ethernet network will prove more useful and provide higher performance.

Is WiFi or Ethernet faster when it comes to reliability?

WiFi signals are more susceptible to interference, while Ethernet cables tend to be more insulated and protected from crosstalk that may affect data transfer speed and quality.

Is WiFi or Ethernet faster to set up?

Setting up a WiFi network is much faster than installing an Ethernet network. An Ethernet network requires cable to be routed to each user’s workstation, while one WiFi router can serve a number of users.

Is WiFi or Ethernet faster with Spectrum Enterprise?

Spectrum Enterprise offers both Ethernet and WiFi solutions for America’s largest businesses. Our managed WiFi services deliver a fully managed WiFi solution with speeds that scale from 5Mbps up to 10Gbps. Our Ethernet solutions enable seamless collaboration across locations and deliver secure and predictable Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity with scalable bandwidth from 10Mbps to more than 10Gbps.