For many years I have been an advocate of wired networks. I have always believed that a signal travelling through a wire was more reliable than through the air. I experienced many frustrations because of weak WIFI signals, issues with distance to the router or signals blocked by walls. I also felt that juggling numerous WIFI SSID was sub-optimal.
With the improvement in WIFI tech in the last 10 years, my view has shifted. The latest WIFI standards provide very high speed over the air. Mesh technology enables seamless roaming within a location and no more juggling with SSIDs. The price of quality WIFI equipment has gone up, but in my opinion, it is totally worth it.
I did a lot of work for clients around internet and network recently. These have been my recommendations:
- If your set-up requires a lot of local files transfers between your devices, then wired network is the best solution. Add a WIFI solution for your handled devices like a MESH or WIFI access points / extenders. On a wired connection you will transfer files at 80 to 125 MB/s. Compared to a meager 10 to 20 MB/s on your average WIFI network. The most expensive WIFI 6 equipment is said to offer 100 MB/s speeds, but I have never observed it.
- If you mostly use online services and do not transfer files, then WIFI is the way to go. In Australia, where residential internet speeds are capped at 100 mb/s (12 MB/s), whether you go through wire or through WIFI, it makes no difference. I ran a number of Internet Speed Tests with both Google and Ookla. I observed WIFI internet speeds at 112mb/s up and 30mb/s down. That’s as good as it gets.
- If the site allows for unobstructed signal (not big concrete or metal walls) then get a Mesh system with 2, 3 or 4 access points. Each unit should pick up the WIFI signal and bounce it seamlessly.
- If the site is obstructed, get Cat6 or better ethernet cables lain from the location of the router to the extremities of the site and there plug in WIFI extenders or MESH access points. I recommend at least two cable outlets to cover front/back and up/down. At the outlets, if there is an accessible power point, get standard WIFI extenders or Mesh access points. If there is no power available, then get a couple of POE (power over ethernet) WIFI access points with their power injectors.
At home my set-up is Cat6 “wired” everywhere with outlets in every room. I use a 24 ports switch at the outlet terminators. I connected all possible devices to the network and have a number of 5 and 8 ports switch at strategic locations (by the TV, in the study and so on). For the handled devices, I have the ISP provided router with its WIFI signal. I added two high-end WIFI extenders to cover parts of the house and outdoor where the router WIFI signal is obstructed.
Last thoughts: sometimes the 4G and 5G signal is stronger than WIFI so I typically disconnect my phone from the WIFI network. To do that you need a mobile plan that comes with enough data and full GSM signal reception.
Do not hesitate to be in touch if you want recommendations for equipment, network design and set-up.
Nico