Wi-Fi or Ethernet for streaming: which is better?
A network cable almost always gives the most stable picture. But not everyone can run a cable through the living room. Here are the pros and cons – and what you can do to make wireless work well.
Quick comparison
| Wi-Fi | Ethernet (cable) | |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Varies with distance and interference | Even |
| Speed | Depends on router and placement | Close to what is delivered |
| Installation | None | A cable has to be run |
| Interference | Neighbours’ networks, walls, microwave ovens | Practically none |
When a cable is the right choice
- The TV or box is close to the router.
- You watch a lot of live broadcasts, where small drop-outs show immediately.
- Several people in the household use the network at the same time.
- You live in a block of flats with many wireless networks around you.
If the device has a network port, simply plug the cable in. The device normally picks the wired connection by itself.
When Wi-Fi is enough
Wireless works perfectly well when the router is in the same room or the next one, with a clear line of sight and no thick walls in between. Modern routers handle several streams at once without trouble.
Getting more out of your Wi-Fi
- Move the router. Central, out in the open and off the floor.
- Pick the right band. 5 GHz is faster over short distances; 2.4 GHz reaches further.
- Change channel. In flats, the router’s automatic channel selection can reduce interference from the neighbours.
- Update the router. New firmware often fixes stability problems.
- Consider mesh. Several units working together give more even coverage in larger homes.
The middle way: a cable without drilling
- Flat network cable can be laid along skirting boards and under door thresholds.
- Powerline adapters carry the network through the electrical wiring.
- A mesh unit with a network port next to the TV gives you a short cable for the last stretch.
Why does Wi-Fi speed go up and down?
Three things decide how much of your broadband reaches the TV wirelessly:
- Distance and obstacles. Every wall costs signal; concrete, brick and underfloor heating cost the most.
- Interference. Neighbours’ networks, baby monitors and microwave ovens share the same airwaves, especially on 2.4 GHz.
- Shared airtime. All devices on the same network take turns. One slow, distant device slows the others down.
A cable has none of these problems, which is why it wins on stability even when Wi-Fi shows a higher top speed.
Wi-Fi generations in brief
| Name | Standard | Bands |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 4 | 802.11n | 2.4 and 5 GHz |
| Wi-Fi 5 | 802.11ac | 5 GHz |
| Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11ax | 2.4 and 5 GHz |
| Wi-Fi 6E | 802.11ax | adds 6 GHz |
A newer router only helps if the TV or box supports the same generation. For one HD or 4K stream, a well-placed Wi-Fi 5 router is already enough.
How do you connect a TV or box by cable?
- Find the network port on the device (marked LAN or with a small network symbol).
- Plug a network cable into it and into a free LAN port on the router.
- Open the device’s network settings and choose the wired connection if it is not selected automatically.
- Run the device’s connection test, or simply start a stream.
Mesh or repeater?
A simple repeater picks up the signal and sends it on with the same radio, which can cut the speed noticeably. A mesh system uses several units that are designed to work together and hand devices over to the nearest one. If you need coverage in more than one extra room, mesh is the better buy; for a single dead corner, a repeater placed halfway between the router and the TV can be enough.
Getting the most out of powerline adapters
- Plug them straight into a wall socket, not into a power strip.
- Keep both adapters on the same electrical circuit where possible.
- Test at the times you watch – other appliances can disturb the signal.
Which solution for which home?
| Situation | Best first step |
|---|---|
| Router in the same room as the TV | Network cable |
| Router one room away, thin wall | 5 GHz Wi-Fi, check the signal |
| Router far away, same floor | Mesh, or a flat cable along the skirting board |
| Router on another floor | Mesh with a unit near the TV, or powerline |
| Rented flat, no drilling | Flat cable or mesh |
Test it yourself
Measure the speed at the TV on Wi-Fi, then plug in a cable and measure again. If the difference is large, you know where the problem lies. Read more about measuring in Internet speed for streaming and about fault-finding in Troubleshooting buffering. The steps for getting started with SagaIPTV are under Setup.