Wireless or wired networks?

To Wire or Not to Wire, that is the question.

Wireless networks are en vogue, but your installation won’t be successful unless you chose the right kind of network and set it up properly. Wired networks require that every computer be connected via a wire to a central location, identified to  a switch or hub. This often involves installing cables through walls and ceilings and can present a problem for anyone. If the computers in your home or office are all within 500 feet of each other, a wireless network might be for you. A wireless network has no cables. It can connect computers on different floors of an office or even across the street.

 

Aside from the obvious benefit of not having wires, wireless networks are convenient since the setup, configuration, and reconfiguration can often be done within minutes, without ample planning. Wireless networks, however, are not as swift as wired network. If you play computer games or view streaming video or supplementary high-speed multimedia, a wireless network may not have enough capacity. But, if you easily want to check e-mail and view web pages, a wireless network is a good choice. To install a wireless network, you need a Wireless Access Point and a wireless network card for each computer. You will need to buy a wireless network card for every desktop computer, although most newer laptops come equipped with one.

 

Security is not a large apprehension in a wired network, ever since one would suffer to physically connect to a wired network to break in. In wireless networks, a car parked outside with a laptop may easily connect to your network if you don’t hold proper security in place. To stop this from happening, encrypt your wireless network connections, or set a password to the network, or do both. Do It Yourself or Call a Professional?

 

If you decide to use a wired network, consider whether install it yourself or employ a professional. If you own a small number of computers that are all situated very near to one another, you may be able to buy pre-assembled network cables and connect them yourself. If you need to wire multiple floors and lay wire through ceilings and walls, you need a expert installation. If you go this route, it is right to start with a plan of your office or home, determine what your current needs are, and consider how the network design can be adapted to times ahead needs. A professional installer should be familiar with EIA/TIA standards, local wiring and electrical codes, and making custom cables.

 

Network cabling professionals are often judged by the neatness of their work, because sloppy cabling is more apt to deteriorate through time, more challenging  to manage, and poses more of a fire risk. Having a wireless network or a wired network is not mutually exclusive. Many small offices have a energetic network in addition to one or more wireless networks, depending on such a needs. Wireless networks are continuing to get faster, more secure, and expensive. Wired networks will stay to coexist investing in  wireless networks, often in the same homes and offices.

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