WI FI versus Ethernet

Told internet speed for me is better using WI FI and not an ethernet cable.
My router is 5ghz
Could this be correct. My speed is entirely satisfactory using WI FI.
I do NOT want to go around and changing things as a self test.
rgds
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My speed is entirely satisfactory using WI FI.
I do NOT want to go around and changing things as a self test.

So don't, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

In reply to a post by helpoort:

Told internet speed for me is better using WI FI and not an ethernet cable.

by who?

Whilst agreeing with Zarjaz that if you are satisfied with the speed of your 5 GHz WiFi is satisfactory, have you attempted to substitute an Ethernet cable; and carry out Speed Tests under both regimes?

My 5 GHz WiFi is generally 10 dbs worse than my 2.4 GHz circuit, so does not cover as wide an area.

I have no experience of substituting an Ethernet cable in that situation; but did replace the higgledy-piggledy, "grew like Topsy" phone wiring with a proper 10 Metre cable from the NTE to the Modem/Router.

This gave a slight improvement of 200 Kbps from just below 37 Mbps to just above, on a 40/10 contract.

I have since compared the performance on the TBB Speed Tester, the newer one.

Using an older ACER Laptop, originally W 7 or 8.1 now W10 - my only PC capable of 5 GHz WiFi.

Test 1
2.4 GHz via BT300 Wireless Extender, about 10 Metres away from both the laptop and the main 2.4 GHz source, through a concrete wall, in the EE Brightbox 2 Router.

On an EE 40/10 Contract.

Down Up Latency
18.8 8.8 42 ms

Test 2
2.4 GHz, direct to/from Router, about 15 centimetres away

Down Up Latency
44.1 8.7 47 ms

Test 3
5 GHz, direct to/from Router, about 15 cms away.

Because of variations observed, I did 3 tests of this regime.

Down Up Latency
5.2 1.6 79 (!)

30.6 7.9 389 (!)

24.5 8.9 44

No obvious reason for the wide variations.

No change of location; and nobody else in the house.

Test 4
Cable, direct to Router, ensured that all WiFi circuits were disconnected, about 1 Metre cable.

Down Up Latency

48.7 8.7 42

All test as stated above, on that Laptop - no change of location.

============

Been an interesting time, doing the comparisons.

EGO DISCERE

Edited by deleted (Sat 06-Aug-16 12:01:24)

In reply to a post by helpoort:

Told internet speed for me is better using WI FI and not an ethernet cable.
My router is 5ghz
Could this be correct.

Depends on two factors: Is the 'ethernet cable' connection you're talking about 10/100 if so, do you have more than 100Mbps internet e.g. Virgin?

If not, then that is complete and utter rubbish.

A cabled connection will 99% of the time always be a more stable connection latency and throughput wise up to its maximum capable throughput.

Wireless on the other hand is dependent on the environment around it. E.g. thick, stone walls will kill it. The only time it has the advantage is if there is line of sight (Or near abouts) and you have a broadband connection capable of more than 100Mbps but only a 10/100 ethernet card in your PC or a 10/100 router port, since in this case wireless would possible achieve a faster throughput.

If your speed is fine, don't bother. But if you had to choose between the two, go with the cabled solution. You'll notice a difference in responsiveness too.

And the graph is a bit smoother over Ethernet or not?

Afternoon Andrew.

To be honest, I should have paid more attention to that aspect.

But basically, I think you are correct, given particularly the three 5 GHz variations.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

In reply to a post by helpoort:

Told internet speed for me is better using WI FI and not an ethernet cable.

by who?

I'm guessing probably their ISP's support staff. Otherwise known as a 'fob off'.

There are a small number of situations where wifi could be better than Ethernet (at least in peak speed if not consistency or latency) but of course in 99% of cases Ethernet is best.

Edited by Andrue (Sat 06-Aug-16 20:41:44)

Thanks for all your efforts to to answer my inquiry. Further clarification.
All my computers sit above my Belkin router.using Wi FI only.
Speed is always about 12 Mbps entirely adequate for my needs. My ISP is IDNET and has been for years.
Totally happy with them and speed.
I had no wish to experiment/change to Ethernet cable acting on the LAYPERSONS assertion as contained in my original post. The only reason for me to to listen to this person is that although being non IT, he was a former BT Engineer.
Thanks chaps, really appreciate your help (great as always)