The reason why your computer doesn’t have an ethernet port is that, with the advancements in WIFI and USBC technology, many companies deem it unnecessary to add the port to their computers, especially on laptops. Many laptop companies are making their computers very slim nowadays. These structure changes make it even harder to add an ethernet port to the side.
The Internet has become more than a luxury; it is now a need. Almost all tasks today are now either a part of the internet or use its resources. One sector that has adapted the most is office work. Bosses, managers, and employees are more connected than ever, and the Internet has helped streamline most office processes.
But the internet did not always exist in the way it does today. At one time, the internet only existed in one spot in your home, where you either connected through a dial-up modem or an ethernet cable. While the dial-up network was eliminated by ethernet broadband, connectivity through the ethernet still lives on.
What Does an Ethernet Port do?
The ethernet port offered connectivity to a series of devices on the network. An ethernet is a physical connection between the devices on the network using a cable and modem. It was a smooth data transfer protocol introduced after the dial-up modem era. You can find ethernet ports on most devices today, such as computers, routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
Ethernet ports allow you to connect to the internet using a cable, or you can engage in multiplayer gaming on games that enable you to play through a LAN connection. To connect a set of devices through ethernet, you need a modem and a wired connection between all the devices.
Why Doesn’t My Computer have an Ethernet Port?
While most people wouldn’t even notice that they don’t have an ethernet port, people who know the benefits of ethernet over Wi-Fi would undoubtedly ask this question. Here are a couple of reasons why your computer may not have an ethernet port:
- Design Choices
Desktop computers and early laptops were generally bulky in size, but as manufacturers refined the looks and feel of their devices, the laptops became thinner. As devices became more compact and designs became sleeker, fitting a bulky ethernet port became challenging. Modern laptops like the ultrabook and Macbook focus on sleekness and portability, omitting the ethernet port.
- The Popularity of Wi-Fi
When Wi-Fi was not a thing, internet or LAN connectivity entirely depended on the ethernet port. Even when early versions of the Wi-Fi came into the market, they could not compete with the reliability and quality of the ethernet connection. But as time progressed, Wi-Fi gained much more popularity as it provided more freedom. You were limited by a cable for an ethernet connection, but with Wi-Fi, you can enjoy the connection anywhere in the range.
- Lowering Cost
This reason may sound unnecessarily greedy for the consumer, but manufacturers avoid as many extra ports as possible to save costs. The ethernet port is complex, especially when designed in a thinner machine. Therefore, manufacturers often omit it from the final design to save on overall production costs.
- Device Type
Some computers come from the factory with specific designs and specifications. Considering the all-in-one PCs built inside a monitor, you can see they already have very little space to work with. Therefore, most of these all-in-one PCs significantly compromise the available ports to the user. Considering machines like the Chromebook, most apps and usage depend on cloud storage, eliminating the need for high-bandwidth internet.
Alternative Connection for Ethernet
While an ethernet connection certainly has pros, not having access to an ethernet port is not the end of the world. There are numerous other ways you can connect to the internet, and here are some of the common ones:
- Wi-Fi
With the growth in the popularity of wireless connections, Wi-Fi has gained much traction. Wi-Fi offers cable-free connectivity at impressive speeds if you consider it does not have a physical connection. Most modern devices like smart home appliances and TVs come with Wi-Fi.
- Mobile Networks
You can always use a mobile network if you are in a crunch. Even if your laptop does not have the option to use a SIM card or GSM network, you can always use your smartphone. To create a Wi-Fi network using your phone, turn on the hotspot and use it like a typical Wi-Fi network. You can always consider tethering if the hotspot is not working for you. You can tether a Wi-Fi or mobile network to your laptop using your phone’s USB cable or Bluetooth.
- USB type-C
Initially, the USB type-C connector came in Android smartphones to improve charging speeds and offer a reversible connector. But with time, the USB type-C protocol proved highly effective and made its way onto your computers. The type-C connector offers internet connectivity abilities on top of several other modes of communication. So, it is worthwhile to consider the availability of a type-C network connection if you do not have an Ethernet port.
The Wired vs. Wireless Debate
The trend towards wireless connections and media is growing as time passes. We see innovation daily, from bluetooth headphones to smart homes, but is this actually for the best? The answer is based on your usage and needs. Below are a few pros and cons of both wired and wireless connections.
Wired Connections
Wired connections have a reputation for being more reliable and faster than wireless connections. This stands true for the internet and any other communication protocol. Wired connections prove much more viable when large amounts of data have to be transferred at high speeds. These connections are preferred in real-time settings like gaming, streaming, and video conferences. Wired connections are protected against interference from other devices emitting electromagnetic waves, and the cable’s physical nature improves the network’s security.
At the same time, wired connections reduce mobility significantly as your device has to be connected through a cable. This also means you may not have access to a connection, especially outside your home or office. Having a bunch of cables for different devices can result in cable clutter.
Wireless Connections
Wireless connections, too, have a ton of unique benefits. One of the biggest pros of wireless communication is the freedom to roam around and use your device comfortably. Wireless connectivity allows more locations to have network access, and you can easily connect multiple devices to a single network. This enables you to access the Internet at cafes, restaurants, and other public spaces. Wireless connectivity not only reduces cable clutter but also reduces the extra cost of buying cables, making it more cost-effective as well.
The drawbacks of wireless connections can render them unfeasible for several tasks. Compared to wired connections, wireless networks are prone to interruptions and fluctuations. The bandwidth, overall speed, and latency on wireless networks can make them unsuitable for real-time applications and precise tasks. As other people can detect a wireless network, it becomes easier to hijack the connection, jeopardising your security.
Ethernet Adapters and Docking Stations
If none of the options above satisfy you, or you have no other choice but an ethernet connection, your problem can be solved in more ways. The solution is a way to add an external ethernet port. Here are two ways you can do that:
- USB to Ethernet Adapter
A USB to Ethernet adapter is a small auxiliary device that connects to your USB port and provides you with an ethernet adapter on the other end. These adapters are pretty inexpensive, making them the perfect solution for a computer that does not come with a factory ethernet port. Most of these adapters are plug-and-play, needing no extra software to function.
Most modern computers automatically detect and install any necessary drivers to allow the adapter to function. An ethernet adapter provides all the benefits of an ethernet port while enjoying a more portable and sleek device. These adapters are very lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry wherever you go.
- Docking Station
A docking station is just like an ethernet adapter in terms of connectivity, but it is much better if you look at all the extra features. A docking station can convert your laptop into a full-fledged workstation with additional displays, extra ports, and power with a single cable.
With portability and sleeker designs being a priority on modern laptops, most come handicapped, missing out on essential ports like HDMI, USB-A, and audio jacks. A docking station gives your computer the necessary ports, but most universal stations also offer a card reader and DisplayPorts to attach extra monitors. If you buy a USB-C docking station, it will charge your laptop, too.
Future Proofing Your Ethernet Connectivity
Ethernet, USB-A, and even HDMI ports are slowly becoming extinct in newly manufactured computers. While a significant reason for the reduced popularity of these ports is the turn towards wireless connectivity, another factor is the introduction of the USB-C communication protocol. USB-C has opened a whole new dimension of connectivity and data transmission speeds, and it is a one-port solution to all your needs. You can find almost any peripheral or auxiliary device with a type-C port, and if you need to use Ethernet or HDMI, you can always invest in a docking station.
At the end of the day, the best way to future-proof your connectivity needs is to embrace the type-C port.
