Wi-Fi and Ethernet work together for a great blend of convenience and reliability.
Even though so many devices use wireless connections, Ethernet still has a place in your home network. The latest Wi-Fi standards make big improvements, but a wireless connection often can't compete with a cable. You probably don't mind the speed sacrifice when you're scrolling Instagram on your phone in bed, but it makes a difference when downloading game updates or uploading large files.
Ethernet might fall short compared to Wi-Fi depending on your internet service provider (ISP) and hardware. But a general guideline is that Wi-Fi is fine when convenience is most important, while Ethernet is superior for any device where you need full speed and top reliability. Having a setup equipped for both makes for a healthy home network where everyone is happy.
If you've done a home internet speed test, you've likely noticed that the speeds you get on Wi-Fi don't match what you pay your ISP for. Wireless setups are typically slower than wired ones for several reasons. Wi-Fi signals suffer from overhead in managing their connections, especially when many devices are sharing the limited bandwidth at once. They also degrade as they travel, and they have trouble passing through thick obstacles like metal walls or concrete. Other wireless signals from devices like microwaves and baby monitors can interfere with older 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signals, and nearby Wi-Fi networks can cause interference, too.
Despite all this, Wi-Fi still has a place. It wouldn't be feasible to connect all your smart home devices (appliances, cameras, plugs, and more) to your router with a cable, especially since many of them lack Ethernet ports.
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