Ethernet Speed Slower Than Wi-Fi? How to Fix It

Have you noticed the speed difference in the internet when using the ethernet connection and Wi-Fi? 

This is because cables provide a more stable and sturdy connection than their counterparts. Yet, some users have complained of lower ethernet connection speeds. 

If you are facing a similar issue, try these troubleshooting steps and quickly improve your ethernet connection speed.

Also Read: How To Fix Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet Issues

Why Does My Ethernet Connection Appear To Be Slower Than Wi-Fi

Slow ethernet connection situations can occur for several reasons, and a network technician is required to fix them in most cases. However, there are some common causes that you can fix if you know them. Here is a list of reasons you can fix. 

• Using the wrong type of Ethernet cable can reduce your connection speed.
• A damaged Ethernet cable can also cause slowdowns.
• A broken clip may prevent the cable’s contacts from establishing a full connection to the Ethernet port.
• Misconfigured Internet Settings.
• Outdated Network Card Drivers.

Also Read: Realtek Ethernet Controller Driver Not Working After Windows 10 Upgrade [Solved]

Primarily Check These Points

Old Router

If you have recently upgraded your internet connection but are using the old router, you might not find an increase in internet speeds. Also, with time, router hardware may get outdated and require a firmware update or a complete replacement. If available, try to use an alternate router or replace old routers with new ones.

Slow Connection

Check the speed of your connection with your Internet Service Provider. In some cases, the current internet connection was enough for emails and surfing, but the bandwidth was too low for streaming TV. An internet connection upgrade is the only possible solution in this case.

Congestion Of Network

Network congestion results when too many devices or apps attempt to use the same internet connection at once. Using the same internet connection to play video games, email, stream movies, and make video calls uses up some of your bandwidth. They will unavoidably compete for resources if they all occur at the same time.

Also Read: How to Fix “Ethernet Does Not Have a Valid IP Configuration” Error

Hardware Troubleshooting Methods to Increase Ethernet Speed

We have listed the best methods to fix the slow ethernet connection. After completing each method, you must connect to the internet via ethernet and check your speed. We recommend checking speed before moving to the next fix. You can visit  Speedtest and check the internet speed on your PC.

The troubleshooting methods have been grouped into Hardware and Software methods. As ethernet relies on physical LAN cables, we recommend that you follow the Hardware methods first and then jump to the Software methods.

Method 1 – Power Cycle Your Modem and Reboot Your PC

ISP experts recommend restarting your modem/router at least once a day. This clears up the temporary cache and resets your connection with the ISP. Here are the steps to power cycle your modem/router.

1. Shutdown Your PC.
2. Turn off the power switch where your modem/router is plugged in.
3. Wait for 1 minute.
4. Turn on the power switch of your modem/router.
5. Restart your PC and connect to the internet.

Also Read: How To Fix Realtek Ethernet Drivers That Keep Disappearing

Method 2 – Examine Your Ethernet Switch

If your house or place of business has several Ethernet lines, you likely have an Ethernet switch box. They work best if you wire everything that connects to the internet and completely disregard Wi-Fi. They are tiny computers with a single function: data forwarding.

Method 3 – Switch To A Different Ethernet Port

You will experience sluggish speeds or no connection if your Ethernet port malfunctions. By changing ports, you can rule out other potential difficulties, such as cable, device, and internet problems. There is a problem with the old port if using the new one immediately improves your connection. Try switching the other end of your Ethernet connection to a different port on the router or gateway if you use Ethernet with a PC, game console, or streaming device. To avoid using the problematic port again, cover it with tape.

Method 4 – Identify Cable Damage

Check the cable for visible damage, such as fraying, cuts, or bent connectors. Even small issues can affect performance. If the cable looks worn or damaged, replacing it may resolve connection problems. Remember that children may pull on wires simply because they look fun and intriguing and that cats and puppies enjoy chewing on them. Additionally, look for damage to any Ethernet wires in the attic, under your house, or outside. One small cut from a weed eater or a rat bite might cause your connection to lag significantly.

Method 5 – Verify Cable Connecters

Each end of an Ethernet cable contains an RJ45 connection. Eight contacts on these connectors interact with eight contacts within the Ethernet port. Slower speeds result from a poor connection caused by filthy, corroded, or damaged cables. Additionally, the connection of an Ethernet cable features a clip to secure it in the Ethernet port. The connector will move around in the port if the clip is damaged, stopping the contacts from fully connecting. As a result, your speeds will be slower, and if the connector falls out of the port, it may disconnect.

Also Read: How To Download Realtek Ethernet Controller Driver

Method 6 – Verify Cable Category

Is the Ethernet wire you’re using a few decades old? Check the cable category if that’s the case. Data transfer speeds for those in lower categories, such as category four, were limited to 16 Mbps. No matter how fast your Wi-Fi connection is, this is the fastest speed you can get with such a cable. Thus, you can anticipate a better wireless connection if your Wi-Fi connection is quicker than an Ethernet cable can manage. Changing the cable to a higher category will boost the speed.

Method 7 – Update The Firmware On Your Router

Updating the router’s firmware for seamless signal transmission is just as important as updating the network drivers. Consequently, you should update the router’s firmware if your Ethernet still does not offer the fastest speeds. Most router firmware updates will be similar, though they may vary based on the manufacturer. If your router’s firmware interface appears complicated, look for instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Software Troubleshooting Methods to Fix Slow Ethernet

Method 8 – Malware Infection

Malware is one of the major causes of issues on your PC. Malware infections are responsible for major/minor errors. Hence, experts have suggested that a slow ethernet connection can occur due to malware on your system. You may run a scan with your preferred antivirus software. We have explained the steps of running a malware scan with Windows Security.

1. Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security.”

2. Click on the result with the same name.
3. Next, click on Virus & threat protection.

4. Click Scan Options.

5. Choose Full Scan and click the Scan Now button.

Method 9 – Clear Browser Cache

Clearing your browser cache helps improve performance and fix issues like loading errors or outdated content. When you visit a website, your browser stores temporary files (cache) to speed up future visits. However, these files can become outdated or corrupted over time, causing display problems or preventing new content from loading. Clearing the cache forces your browser to download fresh files, often resolving issues like slow page loads or missing elements.

Method 10 – Update Network Drivers

The best method to update drivers is using the Advanced Driver Updater app. This software overcomes the limitations of the manual way and can update all the drivers to their latest compatible versions with a few mouse clicks. Here are the steps:

 

Wait for the process to complete and reboot your PC.

Method 11 – Reset Network connection

Some experts have stated that resetting the network connection can also help clear the clog responsible for slow ethernet. Here are the steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the left sidebar, click on Network & Internet.

 

3. Scroll down and click on Advanced network settings.

4. Under More settings, click on Network reset.
5. Click the Reset now button under Network reset.
6. You will be prompted to confirm the action. Select Yes to proceed
7. After the reset, restart your PC to ensure the changes take effect.

Method 12 – Contact Your Internet Service Provider

Fiber-optic network terminals (ONTs) and cable modems connect to a Wi-Fi router via Ethernet. If you have switched out the Ethernet cable between the two devices and are still having speed problems that aren’t connected to your internet connection, there may be an issue with the Ethernet port on the modem or ONT. Another possibility is that the ONT or modem is malfunctioning. Ask your provider for help if you have exhausted all other options.

Is your Ethernet Connection Working Fine Now?

We hope that the troubleshooting methods mentioned earlier have fixed your slow ethernet issues. It is necessary to keep checking your speed from time to time to know that you are getting the connection speed you are paying for. Write to us in the comments section about which method helped you fix the issue.

Read Also: How To Fix Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet Issues