Connecting your Smart TV via Ethernet cable to have Internet can be a good idea when the WiFi connection is not good. In addition, having your TV connected to the Internet is essential to make the most of its functions: watch television online, access streaming platforms, download applications… However, there is a ‘but’ about using the cable connection on your television. .
Your Smart TV gives you the option of using WiFi or Ethernet cable to enjoy the Internet. The drawback of using cable is that the port on smart TVs in 2024 are still very slow. For this reason, for now, it is a better option to use the WiFi network in most cases. But why?
The limit of ports on Smart TV
Among the most frequent doubts that users have is the following: what is better to connect the TV to the Internet, WiFi or cable? Well, whenever possible you should opt for the wireless connection at home, and this has an explanation.
You may have never wondered, but yes, many Smart TVs have a limitation on their Ethernet ports. It doesn’t matter whether they are entry-level, mid-range or high-end, many models still do not have an Ethernet port capable of exceeding 100 Mbps connection speed. Therefore, even if you have a rate of 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 600 Mbps… The smart TV will not have the cable option to exceed that particular limit. On the other hand, WiFi is different.
If your Smart TV is close to the router, don’t think twice and connect it to the 5 GHz band. Of course, it needs to be compatible. If you are further away, you should connect it to the 2.4 GHz WiFi network, since it is the most appropriate when it comes to not being close to the router. And all because it has greater connection coverage.
The solution: add a Gigabit Ethernet port
On the other hand, if you prefer to use an Ethernet cable and put an end to this limitation, you can always add a Gigabit Ethernet port. If you already had it connected by cable and you notice that there are connection problems, such as cuts, especially when watching 4K movies, you have the alternative of using WiFi or trying this trick. Even so, you can bypass this limit by adding this type of port to your television.
To begin with, keep in mind that it does not work on all Smart TV models and brands. For example, if it has been tested to be compatible with LG and Sony televisions. Now, you have to buy a Gigabit Ethernet port adapter to connect it to the TV’s USB. How could the following product be:
If you stop to read the comments, you can see how buyers explain that they are already using it on their Smart TVs to improve the connection, since the television’s own network card gave lower cable speeds. But once again, keep in mind that you will not always have the opportunity to add a Gigabit Ethernet port using this type of adapter on your television. For example, it does not work on Samsung models.
In these cases, if you want more speed, there will be no other alternative than to improve the coverage of your home WiFi network. This way you can connect the television to the Internet and you will not have connection problems.
