WiFi is everywhere: our homes, coffee shops, parks, and even our cars and planes. There were 3.74 billion internet users on Earth as of March 2017, and many of them experience the majority of their internet access via WiFi. In a wireless age, wires on technology can appear outdated but don’t be fooled — a wired internet connection still cannot be beat, especially in these four situations you may find yourself in as an internet user.

1. 1. You’re working with sensitive information
      WiFi connections, especially those in locations like shops and public transportation, are never fully secure. Information your device processes on WiFi can easily be intercepted and used, including private information and login credentials. It’s quite easy for unsavory people to set up a false WiFi network in a public space to fish for unsuspecting users’ information, and using a wired connection can minimize some of that risk. Using an Ethernet cable in public spaces doesn’t always negate the risk of an information breach, but using a wired connection at home especially ensures a safer web experience.

1. 1. You’re downloading or uploading large files
      Wireless connections often simply can’t handle the transfer of large files, so you’re stuck banging your head on your desk with a painfully slow connection. If WiFi coverage cuts out in the middle of a file transfer, all that slow progress can be lost in just a second. Wired connections provide a little more peace of mind that your files will get where they need to go on time.

1. 1. You frequently need to send or receive files from computers and devices on the same network
      You simply can’t beat the speed of file transfer from device to device on a wired network. If those little cutbacks in time used feel oh-so-satisfying to you when sharing across work computers or printing, a wired connection is the way to go.

1. You’re a gamer. Nothing is more annoying to a gamer than lag
   If you’re playing something that needs precision and good reaction time, a cabled connection is your best bet to keep up with the pack. WiFi sometimes lack the oomph to keep up with intense game-play, even if your gaming rig is prepared.

Keep in mind that there are many options in the realm of Ethernet cords, like cat5 cables, cat5e cables, and the heavyweight cat6 cable. Beyond Ethernet, fiber optic cables are an interesting alternative for you to research. If you need that extra boost of stability, speed, and security, take the time to find the perfect option for you or your workplace — your computer will thank you.