Wired vs Wireless in 2018
Wired vs Wireless in 2018
If Wired existed as a real choice, I would definitely opt for it. Wireless remains unreliable all the same.
I’d opt for a wired connection if there was a simple method to install an Ethernet cable in my space.
Worked hard to stay connected whenever I could. (Sure, I don’t usually carry a long Ethernet cable everywhere.) Of course, I’d need a dongle for that, but it’s worth it. Wired is the only way that really functions, even with all the hype around wireless and Bluetooth. It also makes fixing issues much simpler.
Why not both? Desktops, servers and IP phones use wired connections. Laptops or mobile devices rely on wireless. The problem with wireless is people expecting consistent performance from low-cost solutions like $10 WAPs, which won't match the speed of a $10 24-port gigabit switch. If you use proper networking equipment, the main wireless issues are: 1) being too far from the router or behind thick walls, 2) interference from appliances like microwaves, and 3) using a wireless card in a production server.
Wired connections are better when available, though some forum discussions overstate the problems with wireless setups. While latency may be higher, proper implementation usually makes it imperceptible. Download the Insider office from metageek (free for personal use) and verify your wireless network isn’t affected by co-channel interference or shadowing. Performance reflects setup quality—place your AP optimally and upgrade your wireless adapter beyond a simple USB stick.
For regular users, wireless isn't as problematic as many claim. Sure, buying a decent wireless card can be around $100, but that's the extent of the cost. I've been using wireless for a while now, and my connection has only dropped a few times in the past year, which highlights how reliable modern technology is.
I own an ASUS RT-AC87U (a powerful router) and I use it as an FTP server. It performs excellently both wirelessly and over the 5GHz band—only 2.4GHz is still slow when transferring large files.