Generally, people just want their internet to work. And when it comes to the workplace, your employees can only be as productive as the internet network would allow.
There is really no generally ideal internet connection. And we know that was not what you came here to see but, that is what it is.
Both wifi and ethernet cable connections have their pros and cons, so whichever one you choose for your workplace would have to be one that best suits your workplace needs.
This way you can weigh the issues you may come across against the benefits you would enjoy and see which one you can afford for the size of your workplace and the kind of services that you offer.
Pros of Ethernet Cable
Security
Ethernet cables ensure a direct and secure connection to the network. Unlike with WiFi, there is no chance of a hacker gaining access to your network by breaking your password and stealing vital information. So if your organization is big on database security and privacy, then you should opt for an Ethernet Cable over WiFi.
However, we must note that Ethernet cables are not totally secure. They can still be infiltrated if a hacker gains physical access to any device connected to the network and installs spyware.
Uninterrupted Speed
Ethernet cable connections offer consistent internet speed, and there are fewer interruptions, unlike WiFi connections whose speed depends on your location.
This makes Ethernet a better choice if your business involves a lot of streaming activities or multimedia conference calls.
The things that can affect an Ethernet connection speed are network provider issues or antenna position. If the latter ever occurs, you can reach out to a reliable IT company to check it out for you.
Simple to use
Ethernet cables just need to be plugged into the ethernet port on your computer for it to begin to work. You don’t have to select a network or input passwords to connect.
Cons of Ethernet Cable
Less Compatibility
Unfortunately, many new PCs today do not have ethernet ports, and if you insist on using Ethernet, you would have to get a USB-Ethernet port adapter.
Too many wires
It is not very nice to see so many wire clusters around your computing unit, and that is one of the things you might have to deal with if you use Ethernet.
Costlier to set up
Especially If you have multiple devices, it could be expensive to set up ethernet cables that will serve every PC across your office.
Pros of WiFi
More compatibility
Every new mobile phone and PC has a wifi connection. So with WiFi, you can connect more devices than is possible with Ethernet. If more of your workplace devices are new versions and you are looking to get more of your devices on the same network, then you should probably opt for WiFi.
Wireless connection
Another solid advantage of WiFi over cable is that there is no cable. No thousands of wires running around the office space.
There are various issues that could come with too many wires running around the office space. Some of them lean toward aesthetics, while some of them are the issues that may come from identifying a connectivity problem when there is one.
Moreover, your devices are mobile, and with WiFi, you can move your laptop from point A to point B within the office and still retain connection.
More connectivity
With the correct bandwidth, you can connect over 50 devices connected to one WiFi network at the same time. This is very unlike the Ethernet which has only four ports and would require Ethernet extensions and more cables to serve more devices.
Cons of Wifi
Slow/Interruptible speed
Unlike the Ethernet cable, WiFi might easily be bottlenecked and have slow data connection due to congestion. Of course, the best thing would be to decongest the network, but how possible is this when every employee has to work?
This makes WiFi not too reliable for video conference calls, or any platform that would require a lot of bandwidth. However, one hack around this is that a video conference call with people outside your office can be made collectively in the conference room, instead of individually in everyone’s office.
Limited range
Depending on the type of WiFi router you get, there is a limit to the range of wifi you can get. This means that if you move too far away from the router, you would get disconnected.
Depending on how large your business building is, this sort of limits the number of people that can be connected to your network. And except you have a WiFi extender, you might not be able to put everyone on the same network.
Insecurity
Your WiFi network can be compromised. Yes, it is not very likely that it could be, but if you were specifically targeted and a hacker with malicious intent wanted to get access to your network, they probably could.
Especially when your network security has not been reinforced by using strong passwords or installing anti-malware.
You can also advise employees about how to protect their systems against malware in order to ensure that your network stays secure.
Recommendations
As mentioned above, between WiFi and Ethernet there isn’t an ideal candidate for the best internet connection. In terms of costs, both options are only as expensive as the quality of internet you would prefer. And so when making a choice, there is only you, your organization and what you hope to achieve with your internet.
If you are thinking of getting an internet connection in your workplace, the best thing to do is reach out to IT consultants to properly advise you on the best options to meet your needs.
One of the most reliable of them is Jelnic, an IT company that services homes and businesses in or around the Greater Pittsburgh area. Jelnic can also assist you in effectively installing your WiFi or Ethernet router when you have made your choice. You can contact us by visiting our website here.