Why would I hardwire everything?
Weekly Wheaties #2608
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📝 Post: Why would I hardwire everything?
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Tech Headlines
😎 Pick of the Week: Reading, Writing, and Language
📦 Featured Product: Ethernet Cable Tools
📝 Why would I hardwire everything?
Hopefully, my post last week had you checking out if you are paying for TV you could watch for free. For many of us, streaming is by far the main culprit of our internet’s bandwidth. If that sounds like you, may I suggest something you consider for your streaming devices, if not everything you can that accesses the internet in your home — a hardwired internet connection! To be clear, a hardwire connection means you have an internet cable plugged into a given device that connects directly to your home’s internet router.
What are the benefits of this over WiFi, you may ask? There are a few pros and cons for sure, but ultimately, it’s about a consistent and steady connection. Long story short, hardwired connections are not competing with other devices on your network like WiFi may be. A really good analogy of this is vehicles on the roadway.
WiFi is like the interstate. When everyone is using it, there is congestion and things slow down. Sure, if you’re the only one on it, things move quickly, but chances are, you have way more than one device on WiFi at a time. Phones, tablets, computers, TVs, smart devices, cameras, and much more all compete for the best WiFi connection. WiFi also has interference with walls and can be affected by the distance away from the router, too.
Alternatively, if a device is hardwired to your router, it’s like that device has its own private roadway. There’s only one start and end, and nothing else can use that road except for the one device cleared for it. Nothing can cause interference (for the sake of most households), and the connection isn’t affected by other devices or distance — within its abilities, anyway. hardwired connections typically have a distance limitation of 300-700 feet, depending on the type of cable used.
The two biggest issues between hardwired and WiFi deal with speed and stability. Many of the newer routers can have WiFi speeds from 600 Mbps up to 10 Gbps. The high end of that scale is theoretical and depends on interference and distance, as mentioned already. However, they are possible and often faster than hardwired speeds, which typically cap out at 1 Gbps in home setups. If that sounds Greek to you, no worries! Generally speaking, WiFi can be faster. But here’s the kicker - it doesn’t matter!
Nothing you are doing needs anything near any of those speeds. Streaming movies or TV shows at 8K only needs 100 Mbps, and 4K is much lower at around 25 Mbps. If you have a constant hardwired connection, your bandwidth is more than sufficient (assuming your ISP connection provides enough bandwidth). Not sure if you have enough? Check out my post on How Much Speed Do You Really Need?
As discussed, though, the consistency and stability are what we’re after. Especially when streaming, WiFi can have hiccups more often, causing lag and disruptions in your connections. Anything that is stable in location is highly suggested to be hardwired as best you can. This goes for security cameras, gaming consoles, desktop computers, laptop computers (when used at a desk for a Work-From-Home setup), any network storage devices, and streaming devices - especially TVs. hardwired connections are also much safer from a security point of view. To that point, how about some Tips and Tricks for a Faster, Safer WiFi Connection?
By hard-wiring as many devices as you can, you also free up your WiFi to allow those that require WiFi (phones, tablets, smart devices) to be more consistent in their connection since they’re not competing with as many other devices.
Something to note: I do recognize there are times when hardwiring isn’t possible. If you are renting or do not have an easy way to run ethernet cables, or if you have only a few devices competing for bandwidth, WiFi may suffice. I’ve shared this before as a Pick of the Week, but a Coax or Powerline Ethernet Adapter may be an option in this scenario if you still want a hardwired connection.
Lastly, in my Pick of the Week for this post, I’ve shared some tools that will help if you choose to try some DIY hardwiring for ethernet in your home. Check it out below!
Remember, hardwiring is not about replacing Wi-Fi. It’s about giving important devices a dedicated lane instead of making them sit in traffic. This allows a more consistent and stable connection, without giving up speed or convenience.
🗞️ ICYMI: Tech Headlines
Apple is Working on Three AI Wearables: Smart Glasses, AI Pin, and AirPods With Cameras.
NASA Is Now Allowing Astronauts to Bring Their Smartphones into Space
Peter Steinberger, the guy who created OpenClaw: The Viral AI Agent that Broke the Internet, was just hired by OpenAI.
Tesla now offers the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Cybertruck variant starting at $59,990.
😎 POTW: Reading, Writing, and Language
Looking for something new to read, learn, or explore? Check out the picks below:
📦 Featured Product
If you are wanting to hardwire some devices in your home, maybe you want to make your own ethernet cables? This can be beneficial if you are making a longer run, through walls, or even want to make a lot of cables and save some money. All that it takes is the correct tools, some time, and patience! Before purchasing, check out this video on YouTube for a great walk-through.
You’ll need a crimping tool, pass-through connectors (DO NOT buy non-pass-through connectors - it’s not worth it), a spool of ethernet cable, a spool of outdoor ethernet cable if using outdoors, and a cable tester. You can also purchase a tool kit that includes everything but the cable. This is suggested and good for 99% of home use.
Technically, you don’t have to purchase a cable tester, as you can just connect the wire and see if it works. However, just because it works doesn’t mean it is working to the best of its ability in terms of speed and stability. I do suggest a tester, but in a pinch (or at least for the short term), you can do without. Also, if you just want to purchase premade cables, Cable Matters offers an inexpensive option in multiple lengths.
