If you’re looking for a fast and reliable internet connection for your home or business, you’ve probably come across two great cable options: coaxial (coax) and Ethernet. So, which type of connection is faster, and which one’s better for your setup?
Coax cables are easy to install, relatively cheap and, over shorter distances, they outperform Ethernet in terms of speed and data throughput. Coax is ideal for cable TV and video streaming applications. Ethernet, meanwhile, is better for longer distances and larger networks.
Understanding and comparing coax and Ethernet can be relatively difficult, since each has its strengths in certain circumstances. So, to help you understand how the two work, we’ll begin from the basics and explain everything you need to know.
What’s the Purpose of a Coax Cable?
Coaxial (coax) cables are primarily used for connecting audio and video components together. They were once the most popular choice for cable internet, but with the growing tech industry, there are now a handful of other options to choose from.
Coax is commonly used to connect computers and routers together to form a Local Area Network, or LAN. The biggest advantage of using coaxial cable is its low cost, making it a popular choice for larger networks with multiple connected devices.
These cables are characterized by their distinctive thick, round shape.
What’s the Purpose of an Ethernet Cable?
The Ethernet cable is the industry standard for connecting computers and other devices to create a Wide Area Network (WAN) or Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
Ethernet offers incredibly fast speeds, longer ranges, and more secure connections, making it a popular choice for modern computer systems. These cables are typically thinner and less bulky than coaxial cables, and the ends usually have an RJ45 connector.
Ethernet cables come in varying lengths, from very short (1-3 feet) to long runs up to 300 feet in length.
Is a Coax Cable Faster Than Ethernet?
Faster and better are normally a matter of perspective. For commercial use, cat5e and cat6 Ethernet cables provide plenty of speed and bandwidth. Ethernet is known for its incredibly fast speeds over long distances.
But using Ethernet for shorter distances can get a little awkward. Here, coax cable outperforms ethernet in terms of speed and data throughput. Coax can also carry more signals than Ethernet, making it suitable for multiple applications.
In addition to providing quality data transfer and speed, coax cable is also relatively inexpensive, and that’s probably why over 90% of households in the US use coax for their cable TV and broadband services. The only downside is that it can be more cumbersome to run through walls or ceilings than ethernet.
Are There Advantages to a Coax Cable Over Ethernet?
Coax cables have some advantages over Ethernet cables. For example, they are equally or slightly more resistant to interference and noise from EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference).
In addition, they have a higher bandwidth capacity than Ethernet cables, allowing them to transfer data at much faster speeds. Coax cables can also handle short distances without significantly losing speed or quality. This makes them ideal for applications that require fast data transfer over short distances, such as cable TV and video streaming services.
And, of course, when it comes to cost, coax cables are much cheaper than Ethernet cables. Moreover, the installation and set-up of a coax cable are simpler, too — all you need to do is plug it in and go.
Ultimately, the choice between coax and Ethernet will depend on your specific needs. Coax cables offer reliable performance and speed, making them ideal for cable TV and video streaming applications.
On the other hand, Ethernet cables provide greater flexibility over longer distances and are well-suited for larger networks.
How to Convert a Coax Router Into Ethernet
You can convert a coax router into Ethernet by using a MoCa adapter (on Amazon) that plugs into the router and converts the connection type. It’s a great way to extend the range of your network and improve the speed.
The process is relatively easy, and here’s how to do it:
- First, you need to purchase a MoCa adapter that is specifically designed for your router’s coax port. This can be found online or in most tech stores.
- Next, use a coax wire and connect one of the adapters to a coax TV. Use an ethernet cable and connect your router to the adapter.
- After that, connect the second adapter to any other coax outlet. This automatically establishes a MoCa network link with the router.
- Finally, test the connection to make sure that it’s working correctly. If the connection is slow or isn’t functioning, try a different type of adapter or cable.
Wrapping Up
Here’s the takeaway: Both Ethernet and coax cables have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Ethernet is great for long runs, while Coax is better for shorter distances.
If you want to convert your router from coax to Ethernet, you can do so with a MoCa adapter. This relatively easy process can help you get the most out of your network.
No matter your connection type, you can rest assured that your data and video streams will be secure and fast. So go ahead, make the switch!