While wireless connections provide access to the internet in the most convenient ways, Ethernet may come in handy for various online activities. When it comes to streaming, it is always a better idea to go for a reliable internet connection with minimal latency. This article will help you decide whether you need a wireless or an Ethernet connection for streaming.
Why Do You Need an Ethernet Connection for Streaming?
For streaming, your best bet is to get an Ethernet connection. Unlike wireless internet connections, it is less susceptible to interference. Since it uses a cable to deliver internet signals to your device, it establishes a dedicated connection for your device, which cannot be used for other devices. This way, it ensures that your device remains protected from security risks and threats that may occur with other internet connections, such as Wi-Fi.
Whether you are streaming video games on Twitch or movies on Netflix, it is crucial to have a stable and consistent connection that does not disrupt your streaming. With an Ethernet connection, you will get fast speeds with little to no latency. Moreover, it ensures that your stream remains secure and any sort of signal interception does not affect your data privacy.
Why Do You Need a Wireless Connection for Streaming?
With a wireless connection, you can access the internet whenever you want and wherever you go. It is best for those who don’t like to use cables for an internet connection but require a strong internet connection to carry out online tasks. You can stream on the go without compromising on your video quality.
However, you may encounter some latency issues, which may increase as you move away from your router. Similarly, the signal strength also depends on your distance from your router. For example, your Wi-Fi signals may drop if you are in a crowded place, hotspot strength is insufficient, interference with other wireless devices, or even if you are using outdated firmware. In addition, the more interference it has, the lower its signal quality becomes, leading to lower speeds.
Which Connection Type Is Better for Streaming?
Here are some of the most important factors that determine which connection type is better for streaming:
Setup
Both, wireless and Ethernet connections are easy to set up. While wireless internet does not always require a physical connection, Ethernet needs a physical connection, depending on the number of devices connected to the same network.
Since wireless networks do not require wires or cables, they allow you to connect to the internet within a few seconds. All you need to do is, choose your preferred network from the list of available Wi-Fi networks, enter the password, and voila! You are now connected to the internet! On the other hand, Ethernet requires you to plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your device and the other end of the cable into the router. The more devices you connect, the more wires you will need. In addition, you can’t move your device to another room without disrupting your internet connection. So, if you are planning to shift your computer to the other side of your home, you will need to extend your internet connection by adding a new Ethernet cable between your router and your device.
Speed and Stability
If you want a reliable and secure internet connection that delivers fast and consistent speeds, an Ethernet connection is best for high-quality streaming. It ensures smooth live streaming without lags. On the other hand, you are more likely to get weak signals with a wireless connection if you go out of range. Therefore, your proximity to the router determines the strength of your internet signals. In addition, wireless signals may disrupt due to radio interference or if your network is overloaded.
If you are looking for a plan that offers fast download speeds up to 1 GIG, you need to check out Mediacom offers. With blazing-fast speeds, you can connect multiple devices at the same time without experiencing slowdowns or buffering while streaming movies or games on your device.
Flexibility
When it comes to flexibility, Ethernet is not suitable for every device. Whereas, stationary devices, including smart TVs, game consoles, and computers are well suited for Ethernet. This is because such devices usually do not require a wired connection that needs to be plugged and unplugged frequently.
However, if you prefer streaming on the go, a wireless connection is the best option for you. You just need to enter the Wi-Fi password while connecting for the first time. Whenever you are close to the same Wi-Fi network, your device will automatically connect to it.
Wrapping Up
An Ethernet connection is great for smart TVs, desktop computers, and other devices that will remain in the same location for a long time. So, if you are going to binge-watch movies on Netflix, Mediacom Internet has the fastest speeds with a monthly data allowance of up to 6,000 GB. However, if you prefer streaming your favorite TV shows while commuting from work, go for a wireless internet connection. But, make sure that your device stays within its signal range to avoid bad connections.
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