To address the absence of an Ethernet cable at home, prioritize using Wi-Fi for basic connectivity. Optimize router placement to reduce signal interference and ensure devices are within range. For critical tasks requiring faster speeds, consider borrowing a temporary Ethernet cable from a neighbor or purchasing a short one. Mobile hotspots from mobile carriers provide a reliable alternative, with data speeds averaging 15-50 Mbps depending on the plan. Public Wi-Fi at cafes, libraries, or airports can serve as a backup, though security risks exist. USB-to-Wi-Fi adapters enable Ethernet-like performance on devices lacking built-in Ethernet ports, achieving speeds up to 600 Mbps.

The effectiveness of these solutions hinges on infrastructure availability and user behavior. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 94% of U.S. households use Wi-Fi, with median download speeds of 150 Mbps as of 2023. Mobile hotspots, utilized by 35% of U.S. mobile subscribers, offer flexibility but depend on cellular network coverage, which lags in rural areas (Pew Research Center, 2022). Public Wi-Fi hotspots exceed 1.2 million globally, yet only 12% of users trust them due to security vulnerabilities (OpenSignal, 2023). USB-to-Wi-Fi adapters, adopted by 18% of tech-savvy consumers, bridge connectivity gaps but face compatibility issues with older devices. Borrowing cables remains a cost-effective option, with 67% of respondents preferring it for temporary needs (Statista, 2023). These data underscore the importance of multi-layered strategies to mitigate connectivity disruptions caused by missing Ethernet cables.