subject: Home Connection : Wired or Wireless? [print this page] Home Connection : Wired or Wireless? Home Connection : Wired or Wireless?
Many home users face the problem of connecting all their devices to the same network when they want to exchange files with each other and to connect to a shared broadband line. Wi-Fi appears to be the obvious choice because of its convenience and fuss-free set-up. However, the problem with Wi-Fi is that it is susceptible to interference and physical obstructions. So, what options do you have if your home network suffers from signals blind spots and slow performance? Some users may sticks to the tried and tested way of using a cable or spend additional money on Wi-Fi repeaters, signal boosters or extenders. Power-line networking is another quick and easy option. You do not need to run any additional wired because it makes use of the wiring you already have for your home appliances. Finally, use wires between systems to ensure the fastest and most secure connection.
Wireless:-
Advantages.
( 1 ) Convenient and cost-saving as no hacking or messy cables required.
( 2 ) Simple to share access with guests at your home.
Disadvantages.
( 1 ) Poses a security risk as hackers can tap your wireless network.
( 2 ) Can face interference from physical objects, especially reinforced concrete walls which have metal bars within.
( 3 ) Latency ( the time it takes for a packet of data to get from one point to another ) is high, so it is not good for real-time applications like online gaming and video-chatting.
Wired :-
Advantages.
( 1 ) Secure as there is no wireless network for hackers to tap.
( 2 ) Least susceptible to interference as it uses physical wires.
( 3 ) Lowest latency so great for online games and video-chatting.
Disadvantages.
( 1 ) Having cables snaking all over the house may look untidy.
( 2 ) May get messy and expensive if you want to conceal the cables as wall-hacking is often required.
Wired connections are a great option if you are renovating your home or moving into a new one as you can plan for the wires to be concealed. The biggest task is deciding where to have the cables converge for the distribution point. Most offerings from Internet Service Providers will include a gateway router modem with two or more ports. If you need more ports, a multi-port high-speed switch is needed.
