Technical
Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable for IPTV: which should you choose?
Why an Ethernet cable is still the most stable connection for IPTV, how to optimise Wi-Fi, and what to do when the router is far from the TV.
- Published
- Reading time
- 2 min
Streaming video copes badly with changes in speed. Wi-Fi is variable by nature: walls, distance, neighbouring devices and interference make it fluctuate constantly. That is why the type of connection often matters more than the speed of your internet plan.
Ethernet cable: the benchmark
A cable links the device directly to the router. Speed is stable, latency is low and interference disappears.
- Advantages: stability, simplicity, no settings to change.
- Limitation: you need to be able to run a cable to the TV.
- Tip: a category 6 cable is more than enough for home use.
Wi-Fi: set it up properly
If a cable is not possible, a few adjustments noticeably improve playback:
- Use the 5 GHz band rather than 2.4 GHz: it offers more speed and less interference, but has a shorter range.
- Bring the router and the device closer, or clear the space between them: a metal cabinet or a load-bearing wall weakens the signal a lot.
- Place the router up high, not in a cupboard or behind the TV.
- Restart the router from time to time so it picks a less crowded channel.
In-between solutions
When the router is far from the TV:
| Solution | How it works | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi repeater | Relays the existing signal | Simple, but can reduce the available speed |
| Mesh Wi-Fi system | Several units form a single network | More effective in a large home |
| Powerline adapters | The network runs over the electrical wiring | Results vary with the electrical installation |
Then connect the playback device to the unit or adapter by cable where possible: you get the benefits of both.
Check the result
After each change, measure the speed again on the playback device and compare it with the need estimated in What internet speed do you need for IPTV?.
