“Wired or wireless? That is the question.”
If William Shakespeare were alive today, he would have asked the same question. However, the answer may just depend on his preference. Thanks to the advances in technology, we are now enjoying the conveniences of connecting to the internet through different mediums. The proliferation of different devices such as smart phones and tablets have helped our society be wired, 24/7.
In an age where connection is king, what is the ideal network at home? Probably you are having the same predicament Shakespeare is having. Choosing between a wired and wireless home network will always come down to your specific needs. To help you decide on what type of network to choose, let us look at what each has to offer:
Wired networks (Local Area Network or LAN):
Wired or Local Area Networks (LAN) use Ethernet cables to connect computers and other compatible devices to a network hub. These cables transmit data more efficiently and can typically send up to 100 Mbps on a network. Compared to Wi-Fi adapters, Ethernet cables consume less power, which helps save a laptop’s battery life. Below is a rundown of the pros and cons of having wired networks:
Pros:
- Sets up easily.
- No need for extra wireless equipment.
- Secure, faster and more reliable than wireless connections.
- Keeps data packets secure as it passes through the network and the router’s firewall.
Cons:
- Lacks convenience and mobility for laptop and mobile users.
- It can only support a few users (around four instead of 20 or more users).
- Not as flexible as wireless connections because users need to be physically connected via an Ethernet cable.
Given its pros and cons, a wired connection is most well-known for its speed and reliability. If you use a lot of bandwidth (online gaming, downloading or uploading files), better get a wired connection.
Wireless Networks (Wireless Access Network or WAN):
Unlike wired networks, wireless networks can connect to your home’s network hub without wires. That’s right, no wires, no mess and very convenient. Check your emails from your smartphone in the kitchen. Update your status on Facebook from your garden. This type of network allows different devices to connect to the internet at the same time. Here are the pros and cons of having a wireless network:
Pros:
- No more messy cables to trip on.
- Enables users to be online anywhere in the house.
- Allows multiple device users to connect to the internet simultaneously.
- Safe, secure and comparable to a wired network’s security features (uses WPA encryption).
Cons:
- Slower compared to wired networks.
- Prone to unauthorised use by other users.
- Signal range may be limited.
- Wireless signals can be affected by radio waves or signals.
- Speed may decrease as the users move away from the access point.
- Older laptops and devices may require wireless LAN cards to connect wirelessly.
Since people prefer mobility and convenience, wireless networks are a must-have for any home. It is very easy to install and supports mobile devices using the Android, Windows and iOS mobile platforms. If you want to connect from anywhere in your home, this is the right network for you.
Given their distinct advantages and disadvantages, both networks are at par with each other. Choosing the right network depends on your needs. If you want maximum bandwidth performance without the mobility, an Ethernet-based connection is the right one for you. If seek mobility and own fifth generation mobile devices, a wireless network is the way to go.
However, if you want to get the best of both networks, get a hybrid connection. You will have the convenience of a wireless connectivity, while enjoying the robust reliability of a hard-wired Ethernet cable. That would be a true match made in Digital Heaven!
