Tech question! Should I buy a enternet cable or a range extender to get better internet for my devices?

[HungLikeAHorsefly]

Depends on what kinds of things you do with your computer, and what your Internet connectivity is.

In general, though, an Ethernet cable is always a good bet if you can conveniently run it between your router and your computer. If that's not convenient (or even possible), then a range extender is often a good option.

From a technical point of view, if you use a range extender, you'll get approximately half the bandwidth you normally would unless you have a tri-band device (or you have a general RF signal booster, which is many times more expensive than even a tri-band range extender). However, if your upstream Internet connection is less than or equal to half of the real bandwidth of your wireless device... which it often is... then your bandwidth to the Internet won't be affected.

Your latency will be affected. It'll typically be significantly higher. You won't notice that either, though, unless you're doing latency-sensitive things on your computer. You'll notice increased latency if you're playing computer games that involve an online presence or doing a lot of video teleconferencing. You won't notice if you're just browsing the web, watching Netflix, email, social media, etc.

Also, if you have a congested spectrum (if you live in a densely populated area), then a range extender may actually make things worse (your computer will have a hard time trying to find the extender's beacon and will often spuriously disconnect/reconnect).

So, the wired route (an Ethernet cable) is your best option unless you can't do that for some reason.

[lightbulb27]

I just had same problem and spent day working on it to get my girlfriend and kids better service.

I think a cable is best... speed and safety... and what I try to use. No wifi will match it. Also, can possibly get a cable free or cheap if search around. Can run them through the house if handy... can get USB adapters fairly cheap online.

Range extender... gives greater distance so if you need to work elsewhere than within few feed of your router, then ok fine. But it won't be as fast... videos and other thigns may not work as well. further you go worse it gets. I haven't bought one yet.

I also don't like "wifi" signals. not good for some people. I know it's all considered normal but this is to electromagnetic energy and may be health implications. That said, I do use phone and wifi, but often turn them off at night and when not using them. who knows what genetic damage results from all this.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

We all love the little thinking circle of death & if you love it even more range extenders are the way to go. As for me my home it is networked both via WIFI & mainly via Ethernet. All my television’s are on direct Ethernet lines & my stationary computer as well. As for my iPad it’s on WiFi & no Ethernet is required. In addition if you have old routers you can make your own extenders if you like & go from there.

[MrOracle]

You're always going to get better and more reliable performance with a cable. This is coming from someone who installs networking cables and WiFi systems for a living. "Range extenders" suck - they connect to your WiFi router via WiFi, and then have to pass along the data via WiFi again, and as a result, under ideal conditions, you're only going to get half of your potential speed, and in real life, it's less than that.
Running a cable is less convenient, but you get much better performance.

[Madhatter920]

Do you mean an ethernet cable? A direct connection is more dependable and will give you a better experience, at the expense of mobility. Wifi gives you the freedom to move around, no hassle with wires, and you can set up anywhere, so long as you're in range. But if all you're concerned with is internet speed and connection, then go with the ethernet cable.

[87609lf]

Ethernet. Your 2.5gHz connection can be slow, and your 5gHz can be weak. So if its not far go with Ethernet cable. Same if its for something that needs a higher bandwidth, over 20 meg a second like. Because it drops so much, even if you have a repeater (range extender) your internets going to loose fidelity. Not loads, but you asked which is better. I used to work for a telecoms giant or 3, and thats my opinion based on experience. If it's not hard wired then none of the ones I ever worked for will garuntee your speed!

[luvstoned4him]

Highly recommend it

However, I got it because I never got any bars in my bedroom or bathroom because my house is full of twists and turns so I got it and now 5 bars in the bedroom. So now I can do a lot of facetime with boo <3

[MrCommodore]

It depends on your WiFi signal strength at source (router) and around your home.

If signal is general weak everywhere, then plugging a ethernet cable from your device directly to one of the ports in your router will ensure you get best possible signal.

If you find WiFi is good downstairs, but crap upstairs, then using an extender such as TP Link upstairs will help get you a better signal upstairs.

[BeMuse]

A Cat 6 cable from 2002 is 10,000 mbps. The fastest wi-fi router in 2020 is 7,200 mbps. Wired internet connections are going to give you better performance and security. A cat 7 cable which might come on the market soon for home networks is 100,000 mbps up to 50 feet away... Wi-Fi is not for performance, it’s for flexibility of movement.

[OlderAndWiser]

The cable is probably the more reliable option but you will need a separate cable for each device and do you want to have those cables extending throughout your house?

[Unit1]

Ethernet cable will always be the superior choice over wireless connections.
Wireless will never match what Ethernet can do (especially when it comes to the latency and speed).

However I'm a freak and would go with fiber optics all the way to the modem/router.

[OpenWine]

depends on the restrictions on each.

example restriction on cable:
400k from the box, cable outlet only manages to push 40k. end result 40k

wifi example:
400k range. 3 walls which cut connection by 120k total. 280k end result

wifi issue is random disconnects and ping spikes so if you intend on playing online games you may rather consider cable because of more connection stability

[scooogy]

I'd say as long as it's not about multiple rooms, buy an ethernet cable in the length of the radius that the range extender would give you. The price differences according to the length of the cable should be less than the difference to the range extender, also in cost-use-ratio.

[TallAnon]

Really depends on your setup, if you want to use multiple devices at your destination, you'd need a router at the other end of that ethernet cable. If you have one dedicated workstation you want to use on the other end, an ethernet cable is the cheapest solution, granted, you need the cable somewhere, so it takes some effort to make sure it doesn't hang in the way where people can trip over it, where it looks ugly, etc.

[Jjpayne]

It's tough... But I'd say the direct cable will give you less trouble overall. But Wi-Fi allows for all devices so it's a tough call.. It's basically a preference. I guess it's up to you with those two pros and cons

[Red_Arrow]

If you use a cable, you will need one for each device. If that works for you (not too many devices) then a proper cable has many advantages. But it limits mobility.

[Soteris]

Hook all your stationary computers up with a cable and leave the wifi for phones and laptops or other mobile units.

[Hans222]

Using an ethernet cable is really outdated. I'm not familiar with an extender but I assume it makes the signal stronger? That would be my choice.

[COMMODOREII]

My brother in law who is an IT tech says that using the cable is the best way to connect.

[Larry30]

With an extender you can only repeat the signal strength it receives, meaning it should be located in an area the has good signal and provide further coverage. If it is not good then ether cable. You could also cable an access point.

[nikooo0ooo]

Ethernet cable- $5 on amazon


Internet extender- more than $5 for still slower than ethernet connection

[ibodi]

I tried my home's, It slower than my wifi. dont know what are problems.
mesh is new solution.