Networking: Wi-Fi vs. Wired Connection

Businesses’ data needs are changing. Over the past few years, more care about data security, and with the amount of dangerous threats expanding as well, it is important to ensure that any technology moves you make don’t end up putting your business in harm’s way. Today, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of wiring up your computer network. 

The Wired Connection

The Pros

The pros of a wired network connection are mostly in speed and reliability. IT admins have more control over which devices can connect to a network which presents opportunities to maximize security. By keeping your network free from malware and other malicious code your entire business benefits. 

Another benefit of a wired connection is that they are typically faster than wireless networks. The additional speed that your organization would see is improved further if your business has walls, floors, ceiling, and other obstructions that would typically cause more interference with faster wireless connections.

The Cons

One major problem wired networks have is that they don’t always allow for the type of cooperative working relationships that wireless networks deliver. By having all computing resources wired to network switches, intra-office collaboration suffers. 

The main problem with a wired strategy is that before you can take advantage of the security benefits and the speed, you’ll have to successfully wire the entire network. Any person that has tried to wire a connection across a busy thoroughfare knows that running cable and hiding wires is a major pain in the neck. 

The Wireless Connection

The Pros

Obviously, the major benefit of having a strong wireless network anywhere is that devices that don’t offer the option to be wired into the network, like smartphones, tablets, and many laptops, are able to be incorporated by users. With a strong wireless network a business can see better collaboration, enhanced productivity, and deliver their customers better products. 

Another benefit of having a strong wireless network is that you can promote some strategies that can work to improve your operational effectiveness. For example, implementing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy. Many of your employees bring their smartphones with them when they come to work. By enacting a BYOD strategy, your staff can take advantage of the devices they are most used to to advance the goals of the company. 

The Cons

Number one, you lose speed. While Wi-Fi networks can still produce strong speeds, it’s not quite as fast as having a hard-wired connection. Over time--and depending on the number of devices that are connected to the wireless network--the disparity will become noticeable, and on the surface, it will cost your business, even if it is hard to quantify.

Additionally, wireless connections are more vulnerable than wired ones. It’s easier for unauthorized individuals to get onto the network by hijacking the signal or gaining access to an unprotected network.

When it comes down to what strategy is best, wired vs. wireless, most businesses don’t waver: they use both. If you are looking for help with your business’ networking call the IT professionals at Computerware today at (703) 821-8200.