Study Shows WiFi slower than hardwired

Broadband speeds are on average 30 per cent slower than fixed line internet, according to a recent survey of 14,000 people across Europe.

The study also found that baby monitors, microwaves, cordless phones, video game consoles, television remote controls and garage door openers can significantly interfere with WiFi speeds.

Internet analysts Epitiro conducted the study by monitoring the performance of 14,001 consumer broadband connections in Britain, United States, Italy and Spain from November 2010 to February 2011. Over one million test results were collected, showing that across Europe the average drop in broadband speeds using WiFi was 30 percent, with Italian consumers suffering drops as high as 40 per cent.

Although not considered a problem for web browsing and email, this reduced performance will be most noticeable when streaming video, online gaming and using Skype.

While it has long been recognized that WiFi does not produce speeds as high as those available through fixed line internet, the extent of the decline was not yet realised.

“Our data shows that connectivity over WiFi degrades broadband performance considerably in typical circumstances,” said Epitiro’sChief Technology Officer JP Curley. "Consumers who are experiencing performance issues with WiFi should take steps to improve their home environment or connect directly via wired ethernet.”

For best results, Epitiro recommends making sure there are not too many walls, doors, furniture or devices like microwaves (in the same frequency range) getting in between your laptop and your Wi-Fi router. Of course, that could defeat the purpose of going wireless in the first place!

Click here to download a copy of the Epitiro survey or for a link to the reuters article.