In 2025, when Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 promise lightning-fast speeds and seamless connectivity, suggesting a return to Ethernet cables may sound old-fashioned. After all, wireless networking has become synonymous with modern convenience. Yet, despite the comfort of Wi-Fi, nothing has replaced the reliability, security, and stability of a good wired connection.
To understand why Ethernet still matters, it’s worth looking back at what came before—and why wired connections remain critical in homes overloaded with smart devices, streaming services, and AI-powered gadgets.
Before RJ45: A World of Coax, Serial Ports, and Token Ring
Long before the now-ubiquitous RJ45 connector became the standard, connecting devices at home or in offices was far from simple.
- Coaxial cable (10BASE2, 10BASE5): Popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, coaxial networks used BNC connectors and terminators. They were cheap but fragile: if one computer disconnected or a single cable broke, the entire network collapsed.
- Serial (RS-232) and parallel cables: Used to link two computers directly. Tools like the LapLink cable allowed users to copy files from one PC to another, but speeds were painfully slow.
- IBM Token Ring: In corporate environments, Token Ring offered stability and performance, but it was costly and too complex for households.
The arrival of twisted-pair Ethernet with RJ45 connectors changed everything. It shifted networks from daisy-chained coaxial topologies to star-based designs, where each computer connected directly to a hub or switch. That meant fewer points of failure and far more scalability.
Ethernet’s Evolution: From 10 Mbps to 40 Gbps and Beyond
Ethernet’s staying power is no accident. Its ability to scale has made it the foundation of global networking for decades.
- Early 1990s: 10 Mbps connections were standard.
- Late 1990s: Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) became widespread.
- 2000s: Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) arrived, becoming the new default.
- 2010s–2020s: 2.5, 5, and 10 Gbps Ethernet became available for homes with advanced fiber connections.
- Today: 25 Gbps and 40 Gbps are emerging in enterprise and high-end home networks, preparing for 8K streaming, VR, and AI workloads.
Thanks to this constant progression, a Cat 6a or Cat 7 Ethernet cable bought today is likely to serve a household for years, if not decades, without bottlenecking internet speeds.
Wi-Fi’s Revolution—and Its Limits
Wireless networking revolutionized daily life. Laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices could suddenly connect without drilling holes or running wires. Wi-Fi became synonymous with flexibility and convenience.
But the downsides have always been there:
- Interference: Signals compete with neighbors’ networks, microwaves, baby monitors, and more.
- Variable latency: A nightmare for gamers and frustrating for video calls.
- Security risks: Wireless signals can be intercepted or attacked if encryption isn’t configured properly.
- Performance loss over distance: Wi-Fi speeds degrade significantly when you move away from the router or put walls in between.
Even with Wi-Fi 6 and 7 promising multi-gigabit speeds, the gap remains: real-world performance rarely matches the theoretical maximum.
Why Going Back to Ethernet Makes Sense in 2025
Today’s homes are crammed with devices: smart TVs, consoles, PCs, work laptops, tablets, phones, and now AI-powered assistants and edge devices. All this traffic strains wireless networks. By strategically bringing back Ethernet, households can offload the heavy, constant workloads from Wi-Fi, reserving wireless for mobile devices.
Benefits of Ethernet today:
- Absolute stability – no dropped connections or unexplained slowdowns.
- Consistent low latency – crucial for online gaming, cloud services, and VR.
- Full bandwidth – a Cat 6 cable delivers the same gigabit speeds day in, day out.
- Higher security – physical access to the cable is required, unlike Wi-Fi signals that leak beyond walls.
- Better Wi-Fi performance – with fewer devices competing wirelessly, smartphones and tablets get a cleaner, faster connection.
Which Devices Should You Wire?
A good rule of thumb: if it doesn’t move, plug it in.
- Desktop PCs and workstations.
- Smart TVs and streaming boxes (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+).
- Gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch docks.
- Home servers, NAS storage systems, and media centers.
- Security cameras and fixed IoT devices.
By wiring these, Wi-Fi networks are freed up for mobile devices where flexibility actually matters.
Hybrid Networks: The Best of Both Worlds
The future of home networking isn’t Wi-Fi versus Ethernet—it’s Wi-Fi plus Ethernet.
- Ethernet backbones: Modern homes are increasingly built or renovated with Ethernet runs to every room.
- Mesh Wi-Fi with Ethernet backhaul: Mesh systems become far more effective when each node is wired, avoiding wireless bottlenecks.
- Powerline (PLC) adapters: For older homes, Ethernet over powerlines can provide wired stability without new cabling.
This hybrid model means Wi-Fi covers mobility while Ethernet guarantees speed and reliability where it matters most.
Conclusion: The Cable That Never Died
From coaxial cables in the 1980s to RJ45 Ethernet today, the wired connection has quietly remained the gold standard for speed, stability, and security. Wi-Fi may be indispensable for phones and tablets, but for a household that streams 8K video, works remotely, plays competitive online games, or experiments with AI, Ethernet is the backbone that makes everything possible.
Sometimes, progress means not abandoning the old ways, but combining them with the new. In 2025, that means remembering a simple truth: Ethernet still matters, and maybe more than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What networking cables came before Ethernet’s RJ45?
Before twisted-pair Ethernet, networks often relied on coaxial cables (10BASE2/10BASE5 with BNC connectors) or direct serial/parallel links. Token Ring was another option, mainly in business environments.
2. What type of Ethernet cable should I use today?
For most households, Cat 6 or Cat 6a cables are ideal. They support up to 10 Gbps and are affordable. Cat 7 or Cat 8 are options for future-proofing high-end setups.
3. Is Ethernet really faster than modern Wi-Fi?
Yes. While Wi-Fi 6/7 may advertise multi-gigabit speeds, those are shared, theoretical maximums. A wired 1 Gbps Ethernet link will almost always outperform Wi-Fi in stability, consistency, and latency.
4. Should I wire my entire house for Ethernet?
Not necessarily. Focus on fixed devices—PCs, TVs, consoles, NAS—while leaving Wi-Fi for mobile devices. A hybrid approach delivers the best experience.
