Let's Get Wired! Or Not? Making the Ultimate Network Decision

If you plan to move premises or upgrade your data systems, you might have pondered whether to have a wired or wireless data infrastructure.

And if you haven’t pondered, we promise we won’t send you to sleep with tech jargon – we’ll give you the hard facts. 

With everything going wireless, getting rid of the wires might seem a no-brainer. But beware, they aren’t the same – wired systems still trump wireless on reliability alone. Sometimes a solution needs to be designed around the business and the building.

That doesn’t mean you should ditch wireless, as you can have both, but you need to compare the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless systems. After all, your data network is the backbone of your business – you can’t stand up and grow without it.

Advantages of Wired Networks

At West Mercia Security, we fit both wireless and wired networks, so we see the realistic pros and cons.

Good old reliability 

Wireless networks are generally stable and reliable, which is the staple of most businesses that can’t operate without them. And when we say reliable, this is the consistent and uninterrupted connection, making them ideal for critical applications such as the internet and the info stored on that big computer (or the one in the cloud – server connections).

Super speedy

When it comes to working at speed, wired connections statistically provide faster data transfer speeds compared to wireless networks. This is crucial for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming high-definition videos and large file transfers. Speed is often at the heart of retail and warehouse management businesses – where time is money.

Beat the hackers 

Plus, the nature of a wired network makes it inherently more secure than wireless networks because they are less susceptible to hacking and unauthorised access. It’s tougher to rock up to a wired system and plug in (especially with a West Mercia security set-up) than hacking remotely via data transmitted wirelessly.

Don’t let the factory nextdoor steal your signal

Unlike wireless networks, wired connections are not affected by interference from other electronic devices or neighbouring networks – like the bloke with a big booster in the factory next door – so you can be sure your connection is consistent and stable.

It’s not actually hard to install – wires aren’t so bad

Setting up a wired network is also relatively straightforward. It’s a myth that it’s more complicated and, well, full of wires. Yes, you need wires, but it’s not that big of a deal. All you need is the appropriate cables and ports, and you're good to go. There's no need to worry about signal strength or wireless configuration.

Disadvantages of Wired Networks

So, yes, there are disadvantages to wired networks here – it’s not a sales pitch. 

You have wires

You have wires and can’t walk around with your laptop wired so quickly, but you can have a wired and wireless setup, believe it or not. So you can default to wired but use wireless when you need it. 

Yep, it costs a bit more for wired

Running cables and setting up wired infrastructure can cost a bit more as there is a little more work to set it up. It varies from building to building and the size, of course. We also have to overcome issues with listed buildings where there are restrictions on wiring setup and drilling holes, but again, there is always a solution.

Physical Limitations 

We recently had a job where we had to design the data infrastructure to limit the cables as there were limitations – but we did it. Ideally, you don’t want long cabling, which can degrade the signal, so you need repeaters or switches.

Advantages of Wireless Networks

As you’d expect, a wireless network has many advantages.

Wander around 

Wireless networks offer flexibility to work anywhere in your building without connecting wired cables. You can connect anywhere within the network's range, making it ideal for everything from offices to warehouses. It can also be preferable if the building’s structure is tricky.

Easy to install 

Setting up a wireless network is generally easier than running cables, which is also suited to companies in listed buildings. However, be mindful of thick walls that degrade the signal – you might need boosters.

Expand

Wireless networks are highly scalable. You can easily add new devices to the network without extensive cabling, making them suitable for growing businesses.

Flexibility 

Wireless networks allow for flexible device placement, and you can connect devices without worrying about cable lengths or physical connections.

Disadvantages of Wireless Networks

So, what are the disadvantages of wireless networks? They seem like such a solid idea.

Interference

As we said before, wireless networks are susceptible to interference from other electronic devices, neighbouring networks, and physical obstacles. This can result in signal dropouts and reduced performance. That’s not great for a business – we rely on a good connection.

Security concerns 

Wireless networks are more vulnerable to security threats like unauthorised access and data interception. However, the risk can be reduced if properly configured with robust security measures.

Speed variability 

Wireless network speeds can fluctuate based on the number of connected devices and their distance from the router. High traffic or long distances can lead to slower performance.

Get wired, or not then?

Choosing between wired and wireless networks ultimately depends on your specific requirements and building. Wired networks offer reliability, speed, and security but may not be suitable for highly mobile environments. On the other hand, wireless networks provide mobility and easy installation but come with potential interference and security concerns. To make an informed decision, carefully assess your needs, budget, and the environment in which you plan to implement your network. In some cases, a combination of both wired and wireless solutions may be the best approach to strike a balance between reliability and flexibility.

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