Do you get a faster internet connection with a Cat-5 cable or USB?

Answer 1

You do get a slightly faster connection with Ethernet over USB. This can range from 1% to 5%. The main advantage is not necessarily speed but stability. Ethernet is a much more stable connection. I highly recommend connecting via Ethernet. If your computer does not have an ethernet connection, you can purchase a card for around $20 and install it.

It doesn't matter when dealing with a residential broadband connection. USB is around 11mbps and your internet is anywhere up to 3mbps. Its all a matter of what hardware you have to utilize.

I prefer cat-5.

Answer 2

Cat 5 is the lowest standard that can be used for Ethernet networks, which are typically used to connect computers to DSL or Cable Modems. It is capable of delivering speeds compliant with the 10-BaseT Ethernet standard, which runs at 10 Mbps. Cat 5e is the next step up, which can run at 100-BaseT (100 Mbps) Cat 6 cable is usable for Gigabit (1 Gbps, or 1000 Mbps) connections. Since DSL or Cable Modems can only operate at a maximum efficiency of 5 Mbps, and Cat 5 is the cheapest of the three cable choices, Cat 5 is the most cost-effective solution for internet connections. If your network hardware (adapters, routers, switches, hubs) are capable of hosting 100-BaseT or Gigabit connections, and you plan on swapping files locally (within your home network), then Cat 5e or Cat 6 may be reccommendable.