The debate between wireless and wired networks has been ongoing for many years. Some organizations stand by their wired networks, while others swear by Wi-Fi for their networking needs. As with all technology, the answer to which option is best is: “it depends on your organizational requirements.” With that in mind, there are major differences between the two and depending on your unique needs, one option will stand above the other. In this blog we are going to delve into the intricacies of both network types and debunk the idea that either one is categorically superior to the other.
Bandwidth and speed are two of the most significant factors in determining network performance. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be downloaded (or uploaded) from your device, while speed is how fast this data can be downloaded (or uploaded). Wired connections, such as Ethernet, are generally associated with faster and more reliable data traffic speeds than Wi-Fi. This is because data cabling provides dedicated connectivity to a single device (such as a laptop or desktop computer), which results in extremely minimal interference or data loss. Wi-Fi networks offer shared bandwidth for many devices in the coverage area, which can result in performance issues tied to signal interference, distance from an access point (AP), or a high number of connected devices.
Wi-Fi networking technology has and continues to improve steadily, and in many cases a user would not notice a difference in performance compared to a wired network. However, as we mentioned above, it all depends on your requirements and what you are using the network for. When judging a network purely on bandwidth and speed, a wired network comes out on top.
Security and privacy are a top concern across the globe when it comes to internet and connectivity. Historically Wi-Fi was considered less secure than wired connections due to the risk of unauthorized access or interception of wireless signals. While these concerns remain valid today, the significant improvements to Wi-Fi security protocols (such as WPA3) have allowed for ironclad wireless connectivity. Wired connections are considered inherently more secure, but they still require proper security measures to safeguard against threats.
So, are wired networks considered safer than wireless? Again, that completely depends on the security measures you put in place for them. A wireless network combined with a cybersecurity solution or monitoring platform can be more secure than a wired network with a lack of security protocol. With that in mind, we can call this a tie.
Network reliability and stability is another measurement of network performance that business focus a lot of attention on. Wired networks and data cabling are the peak option for those who require continuous uptime and extremely low latency. For businesses who engage activities where connection interruptions result in costly consequences (think professional online gaming, live video production, or financial trading), a wired network would be the answer.
While Wi-Fi technology has vastly improved in reliability, it still carries the potential for performance issues caused by environmental interference and network congestion. In this category, a wired network takes the trophy.
When it comes to flexibility and mobility, Wi-Fi is the only option. Wireless networks provide untethered access and allow users to move freely throughout a coverage area without disruption to their daily tasks. Wi-Fi is by far the preferred choice for organizations who have employees using smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Wired networks limit mobility due to the required physical connection and fixed network points. If mobility is your focus, a wireless network is the way to go.
The cost of implementing a new network can vary widely depending on the size and complexity. Everything from the building materials, number of buildings at your location, and size of user base can affect the final cost. While it may seem like a Wi-Fi system would be much more cost effective due to less data cabling, this may not always be the case. Wireless networks also require a data cabling, but the location of the cabling is different. Comparing the cost of wired vs wireless networks in the same environment would result in higher upfront costs for the implementation of a wired network, but over time the cost of maintaining a wireless network would level the scales.
While there may be some savings between the two types of networks, we recommend figuring out the type of network that will suit your organization the best. Budgets are important, but if you implement a network that doesn’t suit your needs, you run the risk of having to redo the entire network much sooner.
As you can see, there truly is no conclusion on whether a wired or Wi-Fi network is better. Only you as an organization can decide which type of network will work best for you. The decision between the two network styles should be made based on specific use case, budget, security requirements, and required performance level. Working with a reputable IT infrastructure provider can help you make this decision and design a network that will fit your unique business needs.
If you have any questions about wired or wireless networks, or need help planning your own implementation, reach out to us at ContactUs@matrix-ndi.com or call 763-475-5500. We have a team of RCDDs and a professional design team to help you every step of the way.