Typically, connecting devices to your router via cable rather than Wi-Fi is a better option. Especially compared to having to use a wireless repeater. However, there are times when this isn’t the case. It may be more convenient to connect your devices to a repeater rather than using Ethernet cables. We’ll show you some specific cases.
The goal is always to achieve an optimal connection and be able to browse the internet without problems. Additionally, if you’re connecting multiple devices to the network, other factors must be considered. Therefore, choosing between using a Wi-Fi repeater or connecting them via cable can be decisive.
Why use a repeater instead of cable
Wi-Fi repeaters are designed to extend the connection to areas where coverage may be weaker. These devices may be necessary in certain situations, although network cables are also an alternative.
They have a Fast Ethernet port
The first reason to use Wi-Fi repeaters instead of Ethernet cables is if those devices only have Fast Ethernet ports. It could also be that the cable you use is Fast Ethernet, or that the router doesn’t have free Gigabit Ethernet ports. In this case, the maximum speed would be limited to 100 Mbps.
If you want to achieve higher speeds, you could opt for a Wi-Fi repeater. As long as it’s high-quality and the coverage is decent, you could go beyond the 100 Mbps limit you’d have when using a cable if you had to use Fast Ethernet ports.
You need the ports for other, more sensitive devices
You may also have limited available ports. Keep in mind that a router typically has no more than four free ports. You may need to connect certain devices via cable for greater stability, and you need to use them. For example, connect a TV that doesn’t have good Wi-Fi.
On the other hand, there are devices that you could connect to the Wi-Fi repeater instead of using a cable, and there would be no negative consequences. These could be home automation devices, for example, that simply require a connection, and maximum speed isn’t as important.
You are going to move the devices
Another reason is if you plan to move the devices you’ll be connecting. Having a device always in the same place isn’t the same as constantly moving from room to room and taking it to different locations. For example, a television, which is usually fixed in one place, isn’t the same as a laptop that you can carry from one room to another.
Therefore, if you think you’ll be constantly moving these devices around, using a Wi-Fi repeater may be a good idea. However, it would be even better to use a Wi-Fi Mesh system to cover a larger area with complete confidence.
The conditions and technology are optimal
Another reason to connect devices to a Wi-Fi repeater instead of using cables is if the conditions are optimal and the technology you use is appropriate. For example, it’s essential that the Wi-Fi repeater be of high quality and provide adequate speed and stability.
If that repeater has Wi-Fi 6 or 7, if you see that the conditions are adequate, such as the distance from the router and the speed it offers, it is worth opting for that repeater and not connecting the devices via cable.
Ultimately, this is something you should keep in mind if you’re considering using a Wi-Fi repeater or a network cable to connect your devices. Both options can be useful, but it’s always a good idea to choose carefully which one to use.
