This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:14:54
The video provides a comprehensive comparison of Cat6 Ethernet cables with Wi-Fi 6 (Wi-Fi ax) systems by examining various network setups and performance results. Initially, the host transitions from a wired Cat6 connection to a modern wireless setup using TP-Link's Deco X55 and TX50E adapters for enhanced Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. The home network includes a mesh system, access points, a range extender (RE-700X), and a Netgear switch, aiming for optimal coverage and connectivity in a multi-room apartment that functions partly as an office.
Key points include the strategic placement of network devices such as NAS (network-attached storage) with 16 terabytes and access points to maximize efficiency and minimize noise. Performance tests compare a 1-gigabit Ethernet connection, and Wi-Fi connections at 160 MHz and 80 MHz, revealing that Ethernet still provides the fastest and most stable results. However, the 160 MHz Wi-Fi, supported by the TP-Link Archer TX50E, performed commendably, especially in gaming latency tests.
The presenter concludes with observations on improved performance by repositioning network devices and suggests that Wi-Fi 6, given compatible devices and routers, can be a viable alternative to traditional Ethernet in many scenarios. Links to the mentioned products and further resources are available in the video description.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the host introduces a comparison between Cat6 Ethernet cable and the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 (Wi-Fi ax). They provide an overview of their network setup, including the transition from wired to wireless connectivity. The host describes their previous reliance on a 10-meter-long Cat6 cable for internet and network-attached storage (NAS) connections, which often caused issues due to the cable’s length and placement. The old network configuration included an outdated modem and an Apple Time Capsule as an access point. To modernize the setup, the host installed a TP-Link TX50E wireless network adapter in their PC and upgraded their modem and router to the TP-Link Deco X55 for improved Wi-Fi 6 performance.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter explains the setup of their home network using a mesh kit with two devices: one serving as the main intake for the internet and the other as an access point for the lounge room. To enhance Wi-Fi coverage, they also added a TP-Link range extender (RE-700X) to create a second network and ensure complete Wi-Fi saturation throughout their apartment. The apartment, converted partly into an office, includes various rooms such as a living room, kitchen, and bedrooms, each with network jacks to facilitate better connectivity. They show their network components, including a Netgear switch and a network-attached storage (NAS) device with 16 terabytes of storage located in a place that doesn’t occupy desk space or create noise, connected through a network jack. This setup aims to provide optimal Wi-Fi coverage and wired connections for devices without Wi-Fi.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains their network setup, highlighting the placement and connectivity of various network devices. They describe the NAS connected to the modem and the placement of network jacks and access points within the house. The speaker shows how the second access point in the living room services most of the area, including the study and downstairs. Additionally, they mention adding an extender to create a second wireless network, emphasizing its integration and the ability to turn it into an access point with a gigabit link. This network design allows a dedicated Wi-Fi channel to the PC, with a backup option to switch to a different Wi-Fi network if necessary. The speaker also discusses the capabilities of the TP-Link Archer TX50E Wi-Fi adapter in their PC, explaining that it supports Wi-Fi 6 and operates at 160 MHz, compared to the motherboard’s built-in Wi-Fi which operates at 80 MHz.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker presents the results from various network performance tests conducted using the Deco x55 Network. They tested three different setups: a 1 gigabit Ethernet cable, a 160 MHz Wi-Fi connection using a TP-Link Archer ADM card, and an 80 MHz Wi-Fi connection from the motherboard. The tests included a 25 GB file transfer, a web page latency test, and a gaming latency test in Call of Duty: Warzone.
Key findings included:
– The Ethernet cable provided the fastest and most stable results in all tests.
– The 160 MHz Wi-Fi connection had slightly slower file transfer speeds and doubled web page latency compared to the Ethernet cable, but gaming latency was only one millisecond slower.
– Surprisingly, the 80 MHz Wi-Fi band performed better in web page latency but was significantly slower in file transfers and gaming performance.
– When using a range extender, file transfer times were relatively consistent with the Deco x55, though slight variations were noted.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the performance improvements observed by moving the Wi-Fi closer to the network adapter. File transfer times improved from seven minutes 41 seconds on the Deco to six minutes 45 seconds on the extender. Despite not utilizing the 80 megahertz band normally, there was still a noticeable improvement. Webpage and gaming latencies showed minor yet consistent results. The presenter advises viewers to take time with the data presented and do their own comparisons if needed.
Conclusively, after cutting the Ethernet cable to the PC two weeks ago to thoroughly test the networks, the 160 megahertz frequency band on the TP-Link add-in card with the range extender showed the best results. The network proved reliable even during high-traffic times with multiple devices connected. The presenter suggests trying Wi-Fi 6 if both devices and routers support it, as it might be a viable option for many homes. Links to all products and social media handles are provided in the video description.