I'm wondering why a direct ethernet connection to an 8 port switch would be slower than a wireless connection through a modem which is connected via ethernet to the same switch.
[Edited by Moderator]
Mac mini (M4, 2024)
“Ethernet slower than Wifi on a Mac Mini M4: I'm wondering why a direct ethernet connection to an 8 port switch would be slower than a wireless connection through a modem which is connected via ethernet to the same switch.”
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Slow Ethernet Vs. Fast WiFi:
So, what’s the DTR (Data Transfer Rate) of the switch? If you’re using internal LAN services, with a slow switch, then expect slower speed.
IMPORTANT: Keep personal information off of these forums. These are out there for everyone to view. So, for your Security & Privacy, I’ve requested the Serial Number be removed from your screenshot.
You are going to have to tell us all the details of your setup ... specific device models of the switch, modem, router (if one), wifi access device (if one), specific cables & their specs, etc. Plus a diagram of how you have them connected. And how you 'know' the speed is slower on the wired ethernet connection. Otherwise we're just guessing.
Remember, the Mac is does not innately understand what you are trying to do.
When you plug in an Ethernet cable, packets going to the Internet CONTINUE to be sent to the TOPMOST, working interface shown in the Network pane. If TOPMOST is Wi-Fi, then you just did two tests of the same interface.
Best practice is to set Ethernet TOPMOST, and then when the cable is unplugged, Ethernet will not also be Working, so your Mac will use Wi-Fi instead.
Thanks for your feedback everyone. Here are the answers to your questions.
The original modem was a Technicolor TC4400 · The new modem is a Sercomm DM1000
The router is a Hitron ARIA 2210 Wi-Fi 6 Beacon
The switch is a TP-Link 8 post Gigabit desktop switch
That is the order in which they are wired and all are in the basement mechanical room.
Two leads are hardwired to separate receptacles in my office upstairs. One hard wired lead goes to a Netgear router upstairs which is the router we use for Wifi.
All wiring was down in 2011 and are the same Cat number - probably Cat 5 (the wires are in the walls).
All speed testing was done with either the Wifi or the wired ethernet disabled. I used or Fast.com or Speedtest by Ookla for the tests (usually Speedtest). I have tested on both receptacles with 2 different Cat 5 cables.
The confusing part for me is that the Wifi router is connected to the switch with the same ethernet wiring as the office receptacles.
I have an internet plan that is rated for 1000 mbps and have previously got speeds of 850 mbps using the ethernet connections which makes me wonder if my Mac mini has a problem with its ethernet port. Incidentally, I have connected using the Ethernet connection on the Mac Mini and using the Thunderbolt Ethernet Slot.
Thanks for your help everyone.
Readers here can't see your gear, or read your reports. We can't imagine what we can't see spelled out.
con you please summarize:
results from Wi-Fi testing
results form Ethernet AND its wiring through devices for each case you want to consider.
":Ethernet slower than Wifi on a Mac Mini M4: [...]Two leads are hardwired to separate receptacles in my office upstairs. One hard wired lead goes to a Netgear router upstairs which is the router we use for Wifi. All wiring was down in 2011 and are the same Cat number - probably Cat 5 (the wires are in the walls).[...]"
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No Modem?
If you have a router, and no modem, then I assume you are only using internet LAN services. To get out on the Web, you need a modem that takes in the signal from the ISP. If CAT5, and not CAT6, is used, then it's slower speed. And I'm not so certain what you mean by "All wiring was down in 2011". If this was all installed in 2011, then note that nowadays' WiFi routers are much more faster, as the protocols have drastically changed, with WiFi7 being the newest, as of this thread.
As for Apple Devices and macOS Versions:
Change of hardware is essentially why macOS updates are available on their devices for 7 years. After an Apple device and after macOS version release reaches 7 years of age, Apple no longer provides updates for them. So, I'd say, it's a matter of not keeping up to date on your tech.
And, for the record, I'm a bit skeptical of TP-Link brand device usage.
Your Wi-Fi can be and usually is faster than Gigabit Ethernet. Quite possibly substantially faster. Really! Depending on settings and interference, and depending on mesh backhaul usage and speeds, Wi-Fi 6 supports from roughly half a gigabyte per second up to just shy of ten gigabytes per second with 160 MHz (big) channels and lots of streams. With the two streams available here, you can get 1.2 Gbps and 2.4 Gbps with 80 and 160 MHz channels, respectively. That’ll be throttled by your ISP link.
Cat 5 and (common from Y2K or so onward) Cat 5E (or the Cat 5enh that was around) will work with gigabit and 2.5 GbE, though old cable can corrode and will slow.m and longer runs csn be problematic.
As for testing the wired network, you’ll need some Ethernet testing tools (the good ones with speed-testing capabilities are not cheap), or a sufficiently-long run of (preferably) Cat 6 or Cat 6A cable as a test replacement for the in-wall Cat 5 or Cat 5E cable. Or move the Mac closer to the switch.
Sounds like the Cat 5 cables and/or perhaps an older TP-Link switch is holding you back.
Haul the Mac mini down stairs and test the Ethernet speed connected directly to the Router/Modem using a Cat 6a or better cable.
Make sure the ethernet cable between your Mini and the switch is a Cat 6 or greater and that the switch (as the Littles suggested) is capable of the higher speeds you expect.
Thank you.
You are most welcome.
Excellent job troubleshooting this!
Mr. Hoffman, I will have to retest each possibility and let you know. Thanks for your input.
Ethernet slower than Wifi on a Mac Mini M4
