From placing cords and cables all through walls and the stress of installing network jacks to every internet enabled device through a connection called LAN (Local Area Network), to a miniature and less complicated internet connection that allows virtual communications, companies are changing the way they want their information to be transmitted.
To decrypt these two terminologies and then go ahead to understand them, it’s essential to disseminate their meanings. Internet connections that are free of multiple and complex hardware links and connects devices to the internet without any cable connections are referred to as WIFI.
However, Ethernet technology depends solely on physical devices to enable internet connections. An Ethernet connection is only complete with a router, an Ethernet cable and a device port which are all interlinked.
How does an Ethernet works?
For an Ethernet connection to work, your device requires to have an Ethernet jack or a LAN port where the Ethernet cable can connect to. These network posts are built at the back or side of your device depending on the model and brand.
Most cables and ports are manufactured to the same size thereby allowing multiple device connections. However, high-speed data transfer can be enhanced by configuring wind turbine slip rings in internet cables to assist it in carrying the LAN circuits. This slip ring solution can allow multiple Ethernet connections, and it can also be used for signal and power transmission.
Wireless Vs Wired Connections
The relevance of the two options is relative to the business needs and area of operation. Contemplating on whether it is time to shift from a hardware sort of connectivity to a lesser one (in terms of equipment), there’re a lot of factors to consider as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Speed
The initial installation of Ethernet connectivity would require a lot of work and its time-consuming. However, there are pros to it.
Wi-Fi connections may not require cables to transmit data, but their signals can be interfered with by other electronic devices, physical barriers, and atmospheric conditions. This may interfere with the speed thereby reduce its performance. This is true in areas that are referred to as black spots which have no internet connectivity at all. Other regions might have a low connection range thereby affecting the users in that area.
However, you can remedy this by changing the physical location of your router or relocating any barriers that might reduce the strength of your Wi-Fi. If your business building has floors, you can choose to install a router in each level or place one in a location that would maximize the connectivity.
Mobility and Flexibility
Due to a wireless connection physical implications, it reduces the device mobility while imposing perimeter restrictions. And one is confined to where they can set up their devices following the location it’s been set up. It makes it difficult to move from one premise to another. If your business does not require to relocate or expand in the future, then an Ethernet connection is your best bet.
Employees and visitors can have access to the internet remotely in a wireless network and then enables multiple devices to gain access. Its flexibility is both functional and appealing. Employees can scroll through their files and then gain access to numerous channels regardless of which facility they are in.
Security
Wired networks function on physical connections and so would require a hacker to be onsite to break through into their data. This provides security, especially for highly sensitive company information. It’s also easier to heighten security on a wired platform to set data vulnerability to its minimal. This can be done through periodic network mapping and auditing, network updates and physically securing the server room by limiting the access to authorized personnel only.
While on a wireless network, a password enabled connection might not be enough to block out unwanted users as it is still open to attract by computer malware. Wi-Fi connections are suitable for service-oriented businesses, but there are security measures that can be put in place to reduce security threats.
Cost
The condition of using cables for a wired connection makes it expensive as compared to a wireless connection. It is also labour intensive. But it all depends on how well the wires are maintained and the number of users in the network; there could be a need for frequent replacements which is also an additional expense. Troubleshooting also becomes a problem if it occurs from multiple cable connections. The size of your workspace and the number of devices requiring internet connectivity may also deflate the costs.
A wireless network is more comfortable to set up and therefore relatively cheaper. It’s more applicable for large-sized businesses. This means that a company has to set up various access points to enable internet connectivity in its departments since a wireless connection is merely an access point; an excellent wired infrastructure is a necessity.
In conclusion
Choosing on what to install between any of the two connections can be dictated by the facts provided above. However, a combination of the two incorporates both the company and the customer’s need. The contrasts between them make them even more likeable to function as a dichotomy and not as single entities.
