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Wired or Wireless Network

Should you choose a wired or wireless network?

A question that we are asked many times from both existing businesses and businesses setting up new premises is, Should we install a wired or wireless network in our office? There are a number of key issues that need to be addressed in order to help with the decision. The main questions are that of speed, security and reliability.

WIRED VS. WIRELESS

Wired (Ethernet) Networks

Wired commonly known as (Ethernet) networks are chosen, as most office buildings are built with structured Cat5 (Ethernet) cabling built into the floors, walls and ceilings. The advantages of choosing an Ethernet network are:

Faster

Whilst wireless networking speeds are suitable for home users and most business users, some business network users who download and transfer high quantities of data may require Gigabit networking speeds - up to 1000 Mbps.

Reliable

Physical, fixed wired Ethernet connections are not prone to interference and fluctuations in available bandwidth, which can affect some wireless networking connections.

Secure

Ethernet networks are very secure, predominantly due to their physical nature - no one can utilise your network connectivity or monitor your traffic unless they are also physically connected to the network. Firewalls built into Routers prevent intruders accessing your organisation's network. Wireless networks can be made secure, but devices have to be configured to protect your network.

Wireless Networks

Whilst Ethernet networks are still the natural choice for offices with existing networks or organisations moving into buildings with structured Cat-5 cabling, business wireless networks are growing in popularity, particularly in these environments:

• Green field sites - new office network, save on installation costs
• Offices without structured cabling - avoid trailing wires everywhere
• Home workers - connecting to the head office via VPN (Virtual Private Network)
• Extending an existing Ethernet network to places that cabling is not provided to or cannot reach, e.g. conference rooms, refreshments areas.

The advantages of setting up wireless networking in these environments are:

Portable & Flexible

Remote staff visiting the office can instantly log in to the office network without needing to locate a spare Ethernet cable and port to plug it into. Wireless networking enables staff to work from any desk or room in the building. Wireless networking also gives employees the freedom to move around the office, i.e. remain connected in meeting rooms.

Cost Effective

Purchasing and installing structured Ethernet cabling into offices can be a costly exercise. Setting up a wireless office network can cost significantly less, as the only items to purchase are the networking devices themselves.

Neat & Safe

Running cables across a building that does not have structured cabling runs in walls and ceilings can be a hazard as there is nowhere to hide the wires. Choosing to set-up a wireless business network eliminates the need for unsightly cables to be trailed across the office.

Secure