There is nothing more frustrating than logging in to your PlayStation account, fully prepared to play your favourite game, only to discover that you are unable to answer the Call of Duty because your WiFi connection is not working properly.
Despite the fact that the PS5 itself comes with WiFi 5, this feature is only useful if the WiFi signal in the area where you’re playing is strong enough.
If it isn’t, you may want to consider using a hardwired connection on your PS5, which will necessitate the use of an Ethernet LAN port.
But does the PS5 even have a LAN port for an Ethernet connection?
Is There An Ethernet LAN Port On The PlayStation 5?
The PS5 is equipped with an Ethernet LAN port, which is located on the device’s back panel. When you hardwire your internet connection, you will have an improved connection, which will allow you to have a better gaming experience if your WiFi isn’t cutting it.
Having a fantastic gaming setup, complete with RGB lights and a massive screen, is pointless if you are unable to play your games properly because everything around you is buffering.
And even if you didn’t spend a lot of money on a high-end setup, anyone using a PlayStation 5 should be able to enjoy the best possible gaming experience.
The WiFi may be inadequate at times due to the fact that you are sharing it with roommates or because the internet service providers in your area have not provided adequate coverage for your gaming requirements.
When this occurs, it is recommended that you connect your PS5 directly to the internet router.
Because so many of us rely on WiFi for the majority of our activities, we may be unfamiliar with Ethernet ports or the best cable to use in order to get the most out of our experience.
Is there an Ethernet LAN port on the PlayStation 5?
Assuming you can bear to tear your gaze away from the PS5’s sleek front-facing exterior, you’ll discover that the Ethernet LAN port is located on its back panel, along with all of the other connectors.
Located between the HDMI port and the two USB ports, it provides convenient access while also allowing for cable management.
Just because you have to have a hardwire connection, doesn’t mean it has to be a sloppy looking affair.
The names of the ports on the back of the PS5 are carved out above them, but they’re in very small black-on-black letters that may be difficult to read at first glance.
The LAN port is shaped somewhat like a Lego head.
Mostly, it’s a rectangular opening with a small outcropping at the bottom of the opening.
On the end of Ethernet cables is a tab that can be slid into the outcropping to keep the connection safe.
Using that clip, you can be sure that all of the connectivity surfaces inside the cable and on the device are perfectly aligned with one another.
In what ways do the terms LAN and Cat-6, CAT-7, and CAT-8 differ from one another?
LAN is an abbreviation for local area network, and it is primarily used to distinguish a small number of computers connected to the same network that are physically close together.
You are most likely connected to your wireless LAN with your phone and laptop, and all of the computers in your home or school are connected to one another through a local area network (LAN).
It is true that adding a hardwire connection to that LAN will significantly improve gaming while also reducing the load on the WiFi network for everyone else in your household.
Because the PS5 can support data transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second, you’ll be best served by a LAN cable with a CAT-6 or higher rating.
Cables are classified into several categories.
What’s more, when it comes to your Ethernet cable, the more the merrier. The higher the number of channels, the more bandwidth is available on the cable.
It is usually possible to tell what type of cable you have at home because companies typically print the information on the sides of the cable.
Because the PS5 does not come with an Ethernet cable, you will most likely need to purchase one separately. If this is the case, we recommend that you invest in a CAT-8 cable if at all possible.
While this cable will be more than sufficient for your PS5 gaming requirements, it will also be a little bit more future-proof in terms of compatibility.
Configuring Your PlayStation 5 for Use with an Ethernet Connection
Before purchasing a cable, you should first determine the distance between your PlayStation 5 and your router in order to determine the length of cable you require.
In the event that you want to run your Ethernet cables along the baseboard to your bedroom, there are several options available.
Methods for avoiding tripping hazards when using cord clips and cable protectors are discussed in this article.
In the event that your PS5 is located near your router, such as on a media centre or bookcase, you can simply conceal the Ethernet cable in the same manner as you have concealed your other power and connection cords.
Once your LAN cord has been properly managed and has been plugged into both your router and the back of your PS5, power on your PS5 and navigate to the settings page on the console.
From there, navigate to Networks > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Set Up Wired LAN to complete the configuration.
Following that, once the PS5 has identified your network, simply follow the on-screen instructions and allow the machines to do their thing while you are away.
You’ll be hardwired in no time if you practise regularly.
The Advantages Are Observable Immediately
You should notice an improvement in your gaming experience the very next time you play after you’ve connected your computer.
Both lag and latency will be reduced as a result of the cable (delay between hitting a button on the controller and the corresponding thing happening in the game.) CAT-5 or CAT-6 cables are ideal for this project if you happen to have some lying around.
However, if it isn’t providing enough bandwidth, you should seriously consider upgrading to a CAT-8.
They can be a little more expensive depending on the length, but if you’re able to make the financial commitment, it will be a significant improvement in every single game you participate in.
Apart from that, using a hardwire connection will make downloading games much faster, allowing you to be up and running in a much shorter amount of time than using only your WiFi connection would allow you.
Because games are likely to continue to grow in size as they become more immersive, having the ability to download them more quickly means that you’ll be ready to play even sooner than you would otherwise be.
After all, who wants to sit around and wait for an hour or more before being able to play Elden Ring when you can get there much faster with a simple CAT-8 LAN cable?
