Why Your Home Still Needs a Hardwired Network

Get Greater Speed and Reliability with a Professional Home Networking Installation 

Networks have changed drastically over the past two decades. Limited once to a modem connected directly to your phone line and computer, they must now contend with dozens of devices vying for access. During this time, the network took another big shift – going wireless. 

It's not hard to see why wireless is so popular with homeowners. You get access from anywhere without being constrained by cables. Many people, however, end up reverting to wireless when it doesn't serve a purpose, placing an unnecessary burden on the network. 

This blog explains why relying on a hardwired home networking installation is the best way to get greater speed and reliability while maintaining wireless connectivity where needed. 

SEE MORE: Does Your Home Network System Need an Upgrade

Greater Network Reliability

Reliability is one of the primary reasons we recommend a hardwired networking foundation for our clients. Since you're carrying your signal via cables, there is no radio interference or competition with nearby networks. In addition, the direct link between the device and router (or switch, depending on the size of your home) means immediate, constant access to your network. 

Greater Speed and Bandwidth 

The other big component in network performance is speed. If you've ever complained to your internet service provider (ISP) about a speed test not matching your plan, they've likely asked the same thing. Are you directly connected to the network or using wireless? Through gigabit servers and fiber optic cables, a hardwired installation provides unprecedented speeds that are currently not possible via wireless.

One reason is that these fiber optic cables have fewer bandwidth constraints than their wireless counterparts. That means greater speed and no compression; therefore, better quality when listening to high-resolution music or streaming 4K video. 

Greater Network Reach 

Though wireless networks are lauded for their mobility, the signal strength weakens and eventually drops as you move away from your router. Meanwhile, fiber optic cables reach much further without sacrificing quality. The best part? Your hardwired network extends your wireless signal’s reach via access points that connect to your router directly. 

Greater Security 

One major concern with wireless networks is security. If not properly protected, anyone walking by your home could, in theory, find and access your network. With hardwired solutions, anyone looking to break into your network would need to access your equipment physically. 

We recommend creating dedicated VLANs for your most vulnerable devices. This means effectively placing them in a separate subnetwork where they're protected from breaches to your wireless network. 

If you're interested in bolstering your network with a hardwired foundation, we'd love to help. Not only will we ensure you have enough coverage for all your devices, but we'll keep all necessary wiring hidden from view. Get started by giving us a call or filling out our contact form. We'd love to help!