Ethernet is the wired way devices connect to the internet and a local network, through a cable from the router to the device. It's the connection behind the small "LAN" or "Ethernet" port on a PC, laptop or TV.
Why it's better than Wi-Fi
- Faster and steadier — no signal to drop, no interference.
- Lower latency — important for gaming and video calls.
- Reliable — doesn't suffer from walls, distance, or other Wi-Fi devices.
When to use it
- Gaming — the most stable connection you'll have.
- Video calls and streaming — fewer drops.
- A TV or console in a thick wall — where Wi-Fi struggles.
What you need
A router with an Ethernet port, a cable (see the Ethernet cable guide), and a port on the device. For most homes, a Cat6, 5–15 m cable is the best value.
If you're happy on Wi-Fi, you don't need Ethernet. But for anything where a drop-out is annoying — gaming, calls, a TV — a cable is the most reliable fix there is.