The Ultimate Guide to Ethernet

Wi-Fi is convenient, but Ethernet delivers serious speed and stability. Here’s how (and where) to use it in your home.

Why Ethernet Still Matters in a Wireless World

We get it — Wi-Fi is everywhere, and it’s incredibly convenient. But when it comes to raw speed, low latency, and reliability, Ethernet is still king — especially if you’re on a Highlands Fiber Network fiber plan and want to experience the full potential of your connection.

Whether you’re a remote worker, gamer, streamer, or just want smoother Zoom calls, understanding when and how to use Ethernet can make a big difference in your home network.

Benefits of Ethernet Over Wi-Fi

Faster Speeds

Wired connections aren’t limited by Wi-Fi congestion or signal interference. They deliver your fiber internet speed directly to your device with minimal loss, especially important if you’re on a 1 Gig or multi-gig plan.

Lower Latency

Latency (ping) is how quickly data travels between your device and the internet. Ethernet typically offers lower and more consistent latency than Wi-Fi making it great for gaming and video calls.

Uninterrupted Stability

Ethernet isn’t affected by:

• Walls or distance from your router.
• Competing Wi-Fi networks nearby.
• Interference from devices like microwaves or Bluetooth.

Free Up Wi-Fi for Other Devices

The more wired connections you use, the more bandwidth your wireless devices can enjoy. It’s a win-win.

Downsides of Ethernet (and How to Work Around Them)

• Wiring is visible: unless you’re running cables through walls, expect to see or hide them along baseboards.
• Less flexible: you’re physically tethered to a spot.
• Takes some planning: you might need longer cables or switch hardware to connect multiple devices.

Still, for any stationary device that uses a lot of bandwidth, the trade-off is usually worth it.

Which Devices Should You Plug In?

Here’s where Ethernet shines most:

Device	Why It Benefits from Ethernet
Device: Gaming Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, PC)	Why It Benefits from Ethernet: Lower ping, fewer disconnections during online play
Device: Smart TVs and Streaming Boxes	Why It Benefits from Ethernet: Smoother 4K streaming, faster load times
Device: Desktop Computers	Why It Benefits from Ethernet: Faster file uploads/downloads and stable work connection
Device: Home Office Setups	Why It Benefits from Ethernet: Fewer Zoom hiccups and VPN issues
Device: Security Cameras/NVRs	Why It Benefits from Ethernet: Reliable, always-on video feeds

Anything that stays in one place and uses heavy data is a great candidate.

Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable

Not all Ethernet cables are the same. Your cable might be holding you back.

Cable Type	Max Speed	Max Distance	Use Case
Cable Type: Cat5	Max Speed: 100 Mbps	Max Distance: Up to 100m	Use Case: Obsolete — avoid
Cable Type: Cat5e	Max Speed: 1 Gbps	Max Distance: Up to 100m	Use Case: Acceptable, but limited
Cable Type: Cat6	Max Speed: 1–10 Gbps (short runs)	Max Distance: Up to 55m for 10 Gbps	Use Case: Great for most homes
Cable Type: Cat6a	Max Speed: 10 Gbps	Max Distance: Up to 100m	Use Case: Ideal for long cable runs
Cable Type: Cat8	Max Speed: 25–40 Gbps	Max Distance: Up to 30m	Use Case: Overkill for most homes, great for future-proofing

Our recommendation:

• Use Cat6 or Cat6a for general gigabit speed setups.
• Use Cat8 for short, high-speed runs (like router to PC)

Always double-check cable labeling — many low-cost Ethernet cables are mislabeled or low-quality.

Where to Plug in on Your Router or Gateway

Routers typically have multiple Ethernet ports labeled LAN — this is where you plug in your devices.

Typical setup:

• WAN Port: This connects to your fiber ONT (already handled by your installer).
• LAN Ports (1–4): These are for Ethernet devices (PCs, gaming consoles, etc.).
• Some routers also offer a multi-gig LAN port (2.5G or 10G) — plug your highest-demand device here if available.

Need more than four wired connections? You can add a network switch, which expands your available ports without reducing performance.

Pro Tips for a Cleaner, Faster Setup

• Use flat Ethernet cables to run under carpets or along walls.
• Use cable clips or cord covers to keep things tidy.
• Run longer cables along baseboards or behind furniture.
• Avoid cheap, unshielded cables (especially in high-interference areas).
• Label your cables if running to multiple rooms or a switch.

Plug In for Peak Performance

Wi-Fi is great for everyday browsing — but if you want the fastest, most reliable internet experience possible, Ethernet is the way to go.

Whether you’re working from home, gaming competitively, or just tired of buffering on your smart TV, a wired connection puts your Highlands Fiber Network fiber speeds to full use.

Posted: April 21, 2025