Business

Wi-Fi or Ethernet? Which one works best for your company?

Choosing on whether to install between any of the two connections is dictated by all the factors listed in this post.

by
Chris Smith
May 1, 2019

Image: Unsplash

From hammering cables and cords through walls and installing network jacks to every internet enabled device through a connection known as LAN, to a miniature and less complicated internet connection that enables for virtual communications, companies are redefining their information transmission needs.

To decrypt these two terminologies and understand them in-depth, it’s critical to disseminate their meanings. Internet connections that are independent of multiple and complex hardware links and connects devices to the internet devoid of any cable connections are referred to as WiFi. On the contrary, Ethernet technology depends entirely on physical devices to enable internet connections. An Ethernet connection is complete when a router, an Ethernet cable, and a device port are interlinked.

How Ethernet works

For an Ethernet connection to work, your device requires to have an Ethernet jack or a LAN port where an Ethernet cable can connect to. These network ports are usually built at the back or side of your device depending on the brand and model.

Most ports and cables are manufactured to the same standard size to allow for multiple device connections. High-speed data transfer can be enhanced by configuring wind turbine slip rings in Ethernet cables to assist in carrying the LAN circuits. This slip ring solution can allow for multiple Ethernet connections and can also be used for signal and power transmissions.

Wireless Vs Wired Connections

The relevance of either the two options is relative to the business needs and area of operation. Pondering on whether it’s time to shift from a hardware sort of connectivity to a lesser one in terms of equipment, there are a number of factors to consider as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Speed

Initial installation for Ethernet connectivity would require a lot of work and is time-consuming. However, there are pros to it. Their hydraulic slip ring can be used to intensify Ethernet signals in combination with other signals such as power by integrating all their slip rings into one to provide for maximum output productivity. This provides for high speed connectivity as compared to a wireless connection. Downloading huge files with Ethernet may also be significantly faster compared to WiFi.

Wifi connections may not require cables to transmit data but their signals can be interfered with by other electronic devices, atmospheric conditions and physical barriers such as walls. This may interfere with their speed thus reduce performance. This is true in areas which are referred to as black spots which have no internet connectivity at all. Other areas may have a relatively lower connection range thus affecting the users in that location. You can remedy this by changing the physical location of your router or relocating any mobile barriers that reduce the strength of your WiFi. If your business premise has floors, you can install a router for each floor or place one in a location that offers maximum connectivity.

Security

Wired networks function on physical connections, and therefore would require a hacker to be onsite to break into their data. This provides for security, especially for highly sensitive company information. It’s also easier to enhance security on a wired platform so as to set data breach to its minimal. This can be done through periodic network auditing and mapping, network updates and physically securing the server room by limiting access to authorized personnel only.

On a wireless network, a password enabled connection may not be enough to restrict unwanted users as it is still open to corruption by computer malware. Wifi connections are suitable for businesses that are service oriented but there are still security measures that can be taken to reduce internet security threats. For small businesses, with limited technical expertise, it has proven to be quite a task in screening who has the rights to access and who does not.

Mobility and Flexibility

Due to its physical implications, a wired connection reduces device mobility while imposing perimeter restrictions. One is also confined to where they can set up their devices in accordance with the location of the router. This makes moving from one premise to another laborious. If your business does not require to move offices or expand in the foreseeable future, an Ethernet connection may be an option.

Employees and even visitors can access the internet remotely in a wireless network and enables the use of multiple devices. This flexibility is both functional and appealing. Employees can scroll through their files and gain access to multiple channels regardless of which facility they are in, in the office. Users on a wireless network can share files with interconnected devices while eliminating the need for a cable connection. It also easier to add a new device to the network on a wireless connection.

Cost

The need for cables for a wired connection makes it costly as compared to a wireless connection. It is also labor intensive. Depending on how well the cables are maintained and the number of users, there could be a need for frequent replacements which is an additional expense. Troubleshooting also becomes a problem if it emanates from the multiple cable connections. The size of your workspace and number of devices requiring internet connectivity may also deflate the costs.

A wireless network is easier to set up and therefore relatively cheaper. It’s more applicable for large-sized businesses. This, however, means, that a company has to set up various access points to enable internet connectivity in all departments or office floors. Since a wireless connection is merely an access point, a good wired infrastructure is a prerequisite.

Choosing on whether to install between any of the two connections is dictated by the above factors. However, a fusion of the two incorporates both the company and customer needs. Guests get to enjoy complimentary services at your location and employees maximize the freedom of internet connectivity. The contrasts between the two connections make them even more likable to function as a dichotomy and not as single entities.

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