After the introduction of wireless internet, you would think that wired connections would become a thing of the past. However, as convenient as wireless internet can be, it certainly doesn’t come without its problems.
There are pros and cons of choosing both wired and wireless connections. So, how can businesses decide which one is right for them?
The pros and cons of wireless networks
Wireless networks have a lot of advantages. They’re fairly inexpensive to set up, they’re faster and easier to install and they offer great mobility. Employees can easily connect to the network wherever they are in the office without the need for any wires or cables.
However, the downsides to a wireless network can be pretty frustrating! The signal can potentially be obstructed by other wireless networks and security typically isn’t as strong on a wireless network either. Then there’s the issue of speed and reliability. There’s a lot that can go wrong that could be detrimental to your business.
The pros and cons of wired networks
Wired networks can be a little trickier and more expensive to set up than wireless, but they do come with some pretty great benefits. As a wired connection isn’t visible to other wired connections, there’s zero risk of interference. They also tend to be much more secure when they’re configured with the right security and firewalls. Speeds are also impressive when you compare them to a wireless connection. So, if your business tends to do a lot of video conferencing, or if it relies upon large file transfers, a wired connection is recommended.
The downsides to a wired network include a lack of mobility, longer and more complex installation and dealing with a lot of wires.
Is it time to switch to a wired network?
If you find your current connection speeds lacking, or if you’re looking to better secure your business, a wired connection can help. So, how can you set one up?
Ideally, you’ll want to get a professional in to set up a wired network for you; particularly if you have a large business. However, you can set one up using your existing router and some good quality cable from suppliers such as RS. Take a look online for in-depth guides of how to set up a reliable wired connection.
As you can see, both wired and wireless connections have their pros and cons. However, a wired connection does tend to perform much better for businesses.