Ethernet vs Wi-Fi: Which Is Better for Gaming?

Source: Pexels.com

Is fixed wireless internet good enough for gaming, or should you grab an Ethernet cable and stick to a wired connection?

The viability of gaming on wireless broadband isn't a straightforward yes or no question since there are some complexities that you should understand to make the best decision for a seamless online gaming experience.

In this post, we'll delve into the differences between Ethernet and wireless connections at the fundamental level to see how each can impact online gaming. We'll also discuss their pros and cons and give you additional tips at the end, so stick around!

Gaming on Wireless Broadband vs. Wired: At a Glance

Ethernet offers faster and more reliable speeds than Wi-Fi, making it the better choice for an optimal and seamless gaming experience.

However, it might not always be an option, so if you're forced to use fixed wireless internet, you can still get excellent performance if you eliminate interference and stay close to your router.

Understanding Ethernet and Wi-Fi

First, let's talk about what wired and wireless internet are at a fundamental level.

What Is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a type of internet connection where a device, such as your laptop or gaming console, is physically connected to a router or modem via an Ethernet cable.

Although there are many devices nowadays without Ethernet ports, such as mobile phones or consoles like the Nintendo Switch, they can still receive Ethernet cables via adapters.

What Is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi, which stands for wireless fidelity, is an alternative method of connecting to a router or modem via radio waves, eliminating the physical barrier for internet access.

Related: How Does Fixed Wireless Broadband Work?

Wired Ethernet Connection vs. Wireless Internet: Key Differences

Although there are many differences between wireless broadband and wired broadband, three of them stand out as the most likely to affect your gaming experience:

Internet Speed

One of the biggest differences between wired and wireless internet is speed.

There are many types of Ethernet cables, but a high-end standard is the category 6a copper, which is capable of speeds up to 10 gigabits per second.

In contrast, the top-of-the-line Wi-Fi 6E standard is "only" capable of achieving a couple of gigabits per second.

Reliability

Even if you could achieve similar speeds across Ethernet and Wi-Fi, you'll run into the issue of reliability and stability.

Wired connections, especially via Ethernet, are well-known for their ability to maintain a consistent connection speed.

And while Wi-Fi standards have improved tremendously compared to the oldest wireless broadband, they're still not a 100% reliable internet service because of factors such as signal interference, physical barriers, and distance from the router.

Factors Affecting Online Gaming Performance

Source: Pexels.com

You should also understand the factors that affect your ping when gaming online, as it'll help you choose the right type of internet connection for your needs.

Latency

Latency (aka ping) refers to the time it takes for the server to respond to a command from the client. It is typically measured in milliseconds (ms).

For example, if your ping is 50 ms and you click the attack button in the game, it'll take 1/20th of a second for you to see the action.

The concept of latency and delays goes far beyond games, though. As long as there's a client and server, there's latency. So low ping is crucial for a seamless online experience, not just while gaming.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the maximum transfer rate over a medium. In other words, it determines how much data will travel over your cable or through the air. So if you're playing a highly-demanding video game with low bandwidth, you'll experience lag, freezing, or even forced disconnections.

Interference

Network interference is when the transmission between your device and the router is disturbed, and it can affect online performance, causing lag, delay, or timeouts.

Fixed wireless internet is much more susceptible to interference from various sources. For example, other devices can omit signals that disrupt the radio waves or operate on the same Wi-Fi channels. Even physical barriers, like walls, floors, or distance, can disturb your device's wireless connection.

Interference is much less likely over Ethernet, but it can still happen if the cable is damaged or going through a magnetic field.

Congestion

If there are numerous devices connected to the same network, they can interfere with each other's signals and tank your network performance in games.

Again, this is more likely if you're gaming on Wi-Fi and the other devices are on the same medium, since they'll all try to share the limited bandwidth.

Pros and Cons of Ethernet Connections for Online Gaming

Source: Pexels.com

Here are the pros and cons of playing online games on a wired connection:

Pros

• Fast Internet Speed: Ethernet technology is simply ahead of fixed wireless internet regarding transmission speed capabilities.
• Stable Connection: Cables are more reliable for sending data than radio signals since they're less susceptible to interference.
• Low Latency: Data travels faster through cable, offering faster response times and lower latency.

Cons

• Installation: Installing Ethernet cables can be costly for certain homeowners.
• Requires an Ethernet Cable: If you don't have a good Ethernet cable, you'll need to buy one.
• Immobile: It's more convenient for fixed devices rather than mobile ones.

Pros and Cons of Fixed Wireless Internet for Online Gaming

Source: DepositPhotos

The pros and cons of gaming on fixed wireless internet are mostly the opposite of an Ethernet connection. Here they are:

Pros

• Convenience: Wi-Fi doesn't require installation or other additional costs.
• Flexibility: You're not tied down to where your Ethernet cable runs.
• Viability on Multiple Devices: It allows you to play games from any device immediately.

Cons

• Lower Speeds: Wi-Fi has lower speed caps that can result in higher ping.
• Potential Signal Interference: Wireless media are much more likely to face interference than cables.

Choosing the Right Internet Connection for Online Gaming for You

Choosing between wired and wireless internet isn't the no-brainer many elitist gamers make it out to be. There are many factors to consider based on your specific situation and needs.

Type of Game

Different games have different network requirements since they don't all require the same network strength or download or upload speed thresholds. New games require more speed to transmit more data.

Some game genres are also more forgiving of high ping than others. For example, in fast-paced first-person shooters like Counter-Strike or Valorant, one millisecond can make a difference. But in a turn-based strategy game or relaxed games like Civilization VI or Stardew Valley, fixed wireless users aren't at a huge disadvantage.

Mobility of Your Gaming Device

If you're playing on a mobile device such as a laptop, smartphone, or handheld console, Wi-Fi is the natural option if you tend to move around often since it's flexible and won't require you to bring a cable along.

Conversely, if you're on a fixed single device such as a gaming PC, then Ethernet is the clear winner.

Required Infrastructure

If you already have an Ethernet cable and a port on your device, then it's easy to connect them and start gaming right away. But for some people, installing a new cable means lots of drilling, especially if your house has brick walls.

Tips for Optimising Your Internet Connection for Online Games

Before we finish, we'd like to show you some tips to improve your ping and make online games faster.

General Tips

• Close unused background applications that might hog your bandwidth, especially if they're using your upload or download speed.
• Upgrade your router, as newer ones can handle higher speeds.
• Update your network drivers.
• If your router offers quality of service (QoS) settings, you can use it to prioritise gaming traffic over others.

If You’re on an Ethernet Connection...

• Make sure your cable isn't damaged.
• Keep magnets away from the cable.
• Upgrade your Ethernet cable to one that offers higher bandwidth.
• Choose a higher-end cable, such as Cat 6 or Cat 6a.

If You’re on an Wireless Connection...

• Place your router as close as possible to your gaming device to prevent delay and optimise signal strength.
• Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E if your router and devices support it.
• Keep your router away from other electronic devices.
• Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi instead of 2.4 GHz.

The Bottom Line

In theory, gaming is viable on Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but because of the differences between these media, wired internet offers higher upload and download speeds and more reliable connections than fixed wireless internet.

Assuming everything is optimal, you're using the right equipment, and your signal isn't facing interference, you shouldn't be at a disadvantage playing most games on Wi-Fi, and it's much more convenient on a mobile device like a laptop or smartphone.

However, if you want to optimise the experience and minimise lag, you should definitely invest in a sturdy and modern Ethernet cable, such as Cat 6a, especially if you play on a fixed device like a gaming PC or console.