Ethernet Coach
When wired beats Wi-Fi — and how to do it cheap.
When to use Ethernet
- Smart TV / streaming box in living room — eliminates buffering. Connect to nearest Ethernet jack.
- Desktop computer / video calls — most stable.
- Gaming console — lower lag.
- NAS / media server — needs full speed.
- Home office work — for video conferencing.
Why Ethernet is better
- Faster — usually 1 Gbps. Wi-Fi 6/7 advertises higher but real-world is often less.
- More stable — no interference from microwaves, neighbors\' Wi-Fi, baby monitors.
- Lower latency — important for video calls, gaming.
- More secure — physical wire vs broadcast signal anyone can sniff.
- Frees up Wi-Fi — fewer devices on Wi-Fi means better Wi-Fi for the rest.
How to add Ethernet without rewiring
- Cat6 cable — 25-50ft. $10-20 on Amazon. Run along baseboard.
- Powerline adapters — $80 for a pair. Plug one near router, one near device. Internet over electrical.
- MoCA adapter — uses your home\'s coax (cable TV) wiring. Often the FASTEST non-wired option.
- Network switch ($25) — multi-port hub. Plug into one Ethernet, get 5-8 ports.
- Professional install — cable inside walls. $200-500.
Cable types — which to buy
- Cat5e — works for 1 Gbps. Cheapest. Fine for most.
- Cat6 / Cat6a — 1-10 Gbps. Better future-proofing for $5-10 more. Pick this.
- Cat7 / Cat8 — overkill for home. Skip.
Quick win
Plug your living room smart TV / Apple TV / Roku into Ethernet via a long Cat6 cable from the router. Tape it along the baseboard. Streaming becomes instant — no more "buffering" pauses on Netflix.