Wired vs. Wireless: Which Option Offers the Best Bandwidth?

Posted on May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 by Brian Jernigan

At HTC, we know our members rely on fast, dependable internet, whether you’re working from home, streaming your favorite shows, gaming online, or just keeping up with family and friends.

One question we hear often is: 

“Should I connect via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi?”

Let’s break down the differences so you can get the most out of your HTC Internet plan.

Understanding Your Connection Options

HTC members can connect to the internet in two main ways:

• Hardwired (Ethernet): This involves plugging your computer or device directly into your HTC modem/router using an Ethernet cable.
• Wireless (Wi-Fi): This uses radio waves to connect your devices to the internet without cables.

Both are great options, but they work a little differently and can affect your speed and reliability. The next few paragraphs may get a little technical, but stick with me…

Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Speed and Stability Difference

Feature	Ethernet (Hardwired)	Wi-Fi (Wireless)
Top Speeds	Up to 1 Gbps today	May Vary
Reliability	Highly stable, little to no interference	Depends on distance/interference
Latency (Lag)	Low – ideal for gaming & video	Higher – may lag during heavy use
Best Use For	Gaming, streaming, work-from-home	Casual browsing, mobile devices

Why You Might Notice a Speed Difference

Even if your HTC internet plan supports up to 1 Gbps, your actual experience may vary depending on how you connect:

 Hardwired with Ethernet

• Offers the most consistent and fastest connection possible.
• Great for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K streaming, large downloads/uploads, or gaming.
• Not affected by walls, distance, or other devices.

 Wireless (Wi-Fi)

• More convenient; perfect for smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• Signal strength may weaken if you’re far from the router or behind walls.
• Other electronics or neighboring networks can interfere with performance.

Other Variables Which Affect Your Speed

No matter how you connect, here are a few things that can impact your internet performance:

• Router Placement: Keep your HTC router in a central, open area to boost Wi-Fi range.
• Device Type: Older laptops, phones, or smart TVs may not support higher speeds.
• Connected Devices: Additional boosters, such as Wi-Fi extenders, can compete with HTC Smart-WIFI causing the connection to drop or speeds to decrease.
• Wiring & Equipment: Using outdated Ethernet cables and connectors may limit your speed.
• Other Factors: Mirrors, metal objects, baby monitors and other devices on the same frequencies can also degrade wireless speeds.

HTC Pro Tip: Combine the Best of Both Worlds

If you’re working from home or gaming, consider connecting via Ethernet for a consistent connection. You can use Wi-Fi for casual browsing or mobile use.

And don’t forget, HTC offers Smart-Wi-Fi services to extend your wireless coverage and reduce dead zones throughout your home. It’s a great way to keep every corner connected, especially in larger homes or buildings.

Need Help? HTC is ready to connect!

At HTC, we’re more than just your internet provider, we’re your neighbors. If you’re having any technical issues with your home or business network, our Technical Support Team is available 24/7/365. Visit our support site or connect with us at 843-365-2186.

If speed, stability, and low latency matter most, go with a wired Ethernet connection. For flexibility and mobility, Wi-Fi is the way to go, but keep an eye on placement, interference, and device capabilities. Either way, HTC has the tools and support to make sure you’re always connected.