Technology is constantly developing and changing. So which is best, Wired vs. Wireless Networks. Recently, one big change we’ve seen in technology is tech devices going wireless. Wireless technology has improved over the years, and more wired tech devices and equipment are becoming wireless.
Most network technology we see in our homes, in offices, and in public are wireless and fairly reliable. The efficiency and consistency of improved wireless tech have reached a point where it has become seamless and leads many to think that wires and cables will soon go obsolete.
However, this is a highly unlikely occurrence, and cabling is here to stay for a long time because it has its advantages and importance in network systems.
Let’s discuss wired vs. wireless networks to give you a better idea of their separate advantages, capabilities, and which may suit your home or business needs better.
Speaking of network systems, always remember to contact Communications Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville for the best wired and wireless networking solutions in Florida.
Now, let’s dive right in.
Wired vs. Wireless Networks
We have all seen how wireless networks can connect multiple devices seamlessly to a nearby Wi-Fi network that provides internet access. This connectivity is made possible because of access points that transmit the Wi-Fi signal through radio frequencies that reach out to nearby devices. The more access points, the wider the range of the Wi-Fi network.
In comparison, a wired network needs network cabling like Ethernet cables to connect devices physically for internet access. These Ethernet cables are typically twisted-pair cables capable of reaching high-speed data transfer rates.
The latest solution in wired networks is fiber optic cables that use light signals to reach even higher transmission speeds. You can read and learn more about them in our blog post titled “The Basics of Fiber Optic Cables” here.
So, how are wired and wireless networks beneficial for a home or business?
Benefits of a Wireless Network
Recent years have seen a massive increase in the popularity of wireless networks, and this is not without reason. Here are just a few key benefits of a wireless network.
- Low Installation Costs
The cost of connecting devices to wireless networks is certainly cheaper per device. Wireless networks simply need easy-to-configure access points to expand the network, and this does require hiring professionals to set up Ethernet cables or structured cabling throughout your home or office building.
However, wireless networks can be expensive as well, especially when you need high bandwidth capabilities. The more bandwidth capacity, range, and quality of a Wi-Fi hub and its access points, the more these devices will cost you. Sometimes, high-quality access points can cost hundreds of dollars.
- The Ability to Move Around (Mobility)
Devices on a wireless network are not connected physically to Ethernet cables or any wiring, allowing users to roam freely and still have access as long as they are in the network’s range.
You do not have to restrict yourself to a workstation, single room, or specific location to access the wireless network.
- Ease of Connectivity
Wireless networks are more adaptable because they lack the extensive physical installations of a wired network. If your business needs to add devices to its wireless network, it is simpler because there is no need to install cabling.
However, access points need configuration and placement at ideal distances, and they can accommodate a finite number of connected devices. Cheaper options hold fewer devices. If your business has many employees and connected devices, you may need to invest in a good wireless network system alongside a wired network.
Benefits of a Wired Network
While wireless networks are popular due to their initial low-cost installations, ease of connectivity, and mobility, there are plenty of benefits to wired networks as well.
- Speed and Reliability
There is no denying that the speed and reliability of a wired network are typically superior to that of a wireless network. Wired networks can reach transmission speeds of up to 10 GB per second, and these speeds are getting faster with fewer delays because of annual improvements in Ethernet cable technology.
Moreover, a wireless network may experience connectivity issues, and its equipment tends to wear out or get outdated much faster than a wired network’s cabling and equipment; this makes wired networks more reliable.
- Increased Productivity
A wired network’s speed and reliability result in better productivity for users. Unlike devices in a wireless network, devices in a wired network do not go out of range, drop connections, or switch between networks. While the initial installation cost per device is higher with wired networks, their productivity benefits can be well worth the price for businesses.
- Improved Security
Wired networks tend to be more secure than wireless ones because they are less likely to be intercepted by outsiders that want to hack in. In contrast, wireless networks use Wi-Fi signals that are prone to interception even if they are properly secured.
- Best for Network Equipment
Network equipment that provides higher bandwidth should have high-speed cabling for efficiency. Moreover, most large-scale high-speed network equipment does not have wireless capability, and for good reason.
Such equipment needs professional structured cabling to perform at its very best and deliver quality network solutions every time.
The Bottom Line
Wireless and wired networks each have their benefits, and they are best suited for different purposes. Moreover, a combination of a comprehensive wired network with structured cabling and wireless networks is the best solution for any modern high-speed business or office building.
It provides all the possible benefits of networking solutions. The structured cabling provides good infrastructure, the wired network provides speed and reliability, and the wireless network provides mobility and ease of access.
When considering your internet and network solutions, we highly recommend consulting Communications Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, for the best network solutions and structured cabling for your business or home requirements.
If you want to learn more about wired and wireless networks or the best network solutions for your home or business, Contact Us Today.