What is Ethernet and how does it improve your home network?

Ethernet – or LAN – has become somewhat outdated with the rise of WiFi. Unjustly so: We explain what Ethernet actually is, how it enhances your home network's performance, and how to efficiently lay LAN cables – without drilling, mess, or high costs.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a transmission technology that allows you to exchange data between devices within a closed network. With an Ethernet connection, you can supply connected end devices such as computers, printers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs with internet access – or feed the home server with important backups like photos and videos.

What does LAN mean?

LAN stands for "Local Area Network" – a local network where data transfers occur. Strictly speaking, there are various types of connections that fall under the LAN term, but the most common is the Ethernet standard. So when we talk about LAN cables, we are usually referring to traditional Ethernet cables.

We summarize (somewhat simplified): LAN cable is the same as Ethernet cable – at least in everyday home networking. But why would you want to install LAN cables in your house at all when you can easily use convenient WiFi?

LAN or WiFi? The Advantages of Ethernet in Home Networks

WiFi technology is convenient, wireless, practically invisible – and completely sufficient for many applications we encounter in our everyday home network. But not for all. Particularly data-intensive activities benefit massively from the use of LAN cables. Data transmission via Ethernet is indeed faster and more stable.

No wonder: Numerous WiFi devices are currently operating in a typical household, creating a chaotic data traffic situation. The LAN cable is like a freshly paved, downhill expressway that allows for a higher and more consistent data throughput.

Therefore, it is still worthwhile to rely on a smart mix of LAN and WiFi in your home network. This ensures that each of your devices receives the right amount of data at the right time.

Home applications that particularly benefit from Ethernet

(UHD-) Streaming

Streaming now dominates entertainment habits in our households. As image resolutions increase—from Full HD to 4K and now even 8K—the amount of data that needs to be transmitted grows as well.

For a stable, consistent streaming experience that doesn’t suddenly stutter at the most exciting moment, we therefore recommend using a LAN cable for resolutions of 4K and above.

(Online-) Gaming

In intense online multiplayer battles, every millisecond can determine victory or defeat. A LAN connection not only provides higher data rates but also reduces delays (latency).

By the way, since games are increasingly downloaded, installed, patched, and expanded with additional content over the internet, using Ethernet is also recommended for single-player gamers.

Home-Office

Whether you are working from home or your children are attending virtual classrooms, YouTube tutorial videos, large uploads and downloads, and especially simultaneous video conferences all benefit from a stable home network via LAN.

Wiring your home office and children’s rooms with Ethernet therefore enables highly productive work without annoying interruptions or other disruptions when working from home.

Home server (NAS)

So-called network-attached storage (NAS) devices are very convenient. And if you regularly store files on your personal home server, a LAN connection will also be to your advantage.

Ever backed up dozens of gigabytes—or even terabytes—of vacation videos and photos? A stable Ethernet connection ensures that your most valuable memories are always quickly saved to your backup.

Installing LAN Cables in Your Home – 5 Basic Tips

If you live in a house that has pre-installed LAN cables and Ethernet sockets in every room, you can easily connect your devices. If this is not the case, you can take matters into your own hands and retroactively install Ethernet in your home. However, this involves a certain amount of preparation and effort.

Therefore, you should carefully consider which devices you want to connect to the Ethernet and in which rooms they will be located. This way, you can limit your efforts – and the amount of cables you need to install for a LAN extension in your living space – to a manageable level. The following basic tips and information about technical tools will assist you in your planning.

With patience, money, and some handy skills, you can equip your entire living area with LAN cables, distribute the LAN throughout the house, and enjoy ideal internet on any desired device. However, you can also make it easier for yourself by simply using the wiring that is already installed in the walls of your house.

The simple alternative:

LAN over the power socket – with Powerline

The magic word is: Powerline – to be precise, Magic Powerline. The efficient WiFi aids from devolo use the electrical wiring of your home to transport the internet signal throughout your living space. Simply place a Powerline adapter near the router and another in the room without internet in the socket, and you're done.

You have up to three powerful Gigabit LAN ports per socket – and, depending on which devolo solution you choose, also fast WiFi. Simultaneously, reliably, and everywhere you need it.

By using LAN over the power network, you can save the hassle of laying LAN cables and easily and flexibly utilize the ideal combination of LAN and WiFi . Brilliant, right?