is and Ethernet Connection faster than a USB connection?

Question

I just started using a USB connection for my DSL (had ethernet before) and while i scroll down a page its not so fluid it does it in pieces

Answer 1

It depends if it's USB 1.1 or USB 2.0, the 2.0 if faster and can send / receive data quicker, and if the ethernet cable is a cat 4 cat 5 etc... I would recommend using an ethernet cable for a DSL connection to the internet.

Answer 2

* USB 1.1 is only 8mbps (megabits per second)
* USB 2.0 is around 400mbps
* Ethernet is between 10 and 100mbps, depending on the hardware at both ends of the cable.

One advantage of ethernet is that it provides a more constant data stream, and requires less processing power by the computer.

To be more specific about your problem - it's extremely unlikely to be caused by the speed of either connection. Perhaps you have too many USB devices plugged in simultaneously, or the modem might not be as compatible as the previous modem.

If I were you, I'd get something like a DSL router (Netgear or Linksys do them for about £20), as these are far more reliable than the little USB modems, and take the processing power off your computer.

Answer 3

It depends on what type of usb connection and what type of ethernet connection you are referring to.

The "common" (please, future posters, don't get in on me about other less common versions) speeds of USB and ethernet are as follows

Ethernet 10baseT = 10 Megabit per second.
Ethernet 100baseT = 100 megabits per second
Ethernet 1000BaseT (or Gigabit-Ethernet) 1000 megabits per second

USB 1.1 = 12 Megabits per second
USB 2.0 = 480 Megabits per second.

Now. These numbers are theoretical, but, what that means, IF THE TECHNOLOGY IS WORKING AT 100% EFFICIENCY is that, from slowest, to fastest, you have

Ethernet 10baseT
USB 1.1
Ethernet 100BaseT
USB 2.0
Ethernet 1000BaseT.

However, ETHERNET is usually MUCH more efficient in transfer than usb. I know of NO usb devices that come anywhere near 480megabit in actual transfer rates. Much more commonly, you will see transfer rates top out at 200megabits for thing such as highspeed powered external harddrives, and tops of 30-40 megabits for things such as USB keys.

I suspect, however, that you are contemplating USB versus ethernet for NETWORKING purposes.

For that, I say, you are, by far, better off with ethernet. the "response time" of even 100baseT ethernet is far superior to that of usb 2.0. (in most cases.. yes, there's always an exception to the rule)

Realistically, my experience has been that 100baseT is about 60% efficient, realizing a 60megabit throughput, whereas 1000baseT is about 45% efficient (450megabit throughput)

If you have gigabit ethernet, the question isn't even to be considered. gigabit ethernet will beat usb 2.0 every single day for file transfer.

Your usb connection on your dsl device is probably usb 1.1 (12 megabit) versus the ethernet jack might be 10baseT or 100baseT.

10 baseT will give you a real world ~6-7 megabit
usb 1.1, you'd be lucky to get 4 megabit.

I'd have to know which modem you are using, to know for certain.

Answer 4

if you moved from a network cable to a wireless connection, yes. Wireless is slower than an ethernet cable. The faster wireless can run is 54 mps. Often less if there is anything blocking any part of the signal. While a cable can reach the maximum speed of your DLS, which can be 200-400mps.

Answer 5

It depends if it's a USB 1.0 or 2.0. If it's 2.0, it should be faster than ethernet. If it's 1.0, it should be about the same. If you're having problems, go back to the way it was.

Answer 6

You should not experience any difference if you have USB 2.0
USB 1.1 (now obsolete) is slower than ethernet.
It might be a driver problem for your USB dsl modem.
Go to modem manifacturer website and see if the are more recent drivers.

Answer 7

yeah ethernet will always be faster since doesnt use the same amount of drivers usb uses.

Answer 8

ethernet is much better and faster than usb modems.that is why they are more expensive