Should Your Business Use WiFi, Ethernet, or Both?

ethernet cables installed in an office

Should Your Business Use WiFi, Ethernet, or Both?

When it comes to making choices for your business, you want to pick the best options for your budget and team, but when it comes to the internet that’s not always straightforward. Should your office use ethernet or wifi? Is there a tangible difference? Check out these easy-to-understand details so you will know you’re making the right choice!

Pros & Cons: WiFi

Wifi is a form of wireless internet. You’ll need to set up a router and modem so that other devices are able to wirelessly connect with your internet. Wifi is popular because it’s for a low price you can have many devices connect to one wifi network. It is also preferred because it allows your worker’s mobile devices to connect to the internet without using data. Smartphones and tablets make it possible for your employees to carry on with work away from their desks. With wifi, they can pair the device and move around freely within the office. And if you have clients and customers that visit your location, WiFi will allow them to connect. The biggest downside of Wifi is that it can constantly deal with interruptions and poor connection. Because it is wireless, the connection may not always be as strong or dependable as you’d like.

Pros & Cons: Ethernet

Ethernet is a type of wired internet connection that was around long before Wifi. Ethernet tends to be faster and more dependable that Wifi since the connection is wired. Ethernet is also a more secure type of connection than Wifi because your network cannot be accessed by hackers the way it could if you used WiFi. The biggest downside of an ethernet connection is that it’s not a mobile connection. You’ll be limited to working on a desktop computer and any other connected machines. This also means that visitors will not be able to connect to the internet. Another downside is cost. To run ethernet, you will need to purchase feet or yards worth of cabling. Organizing that cabling can also be a challenge. Many companies hire electricians to hide the cabling in ceilings or baseboards so it is not a tripping hazard or eyesore.

In Conclusion

When it comes down to choosing ethernet or wifi, it’s up to your business’s individual needs. For some, a combination of the two is the best option. Desktops can all be wired with an ethernet connection to ensure reliability and speed, but you can also have wifi available for mobile devices and customers. It’s important to remember that a wifi connection will need to be protected with security services to avoid data breaches.

Contact Cardoso Electrical Services

If you are dealing with slow internet in your small business and want to get ethernet cables for your desktops, contact Cardoso Electrical Services. There are multiple cabling options, and our team can recommend the best option for the best price. Don’t overpay on expensive highspeed ethernet cables if your internet plan doesn’t offer that speed. Our team would be happy to recommend and install ethernet cables for your building with copper backbones. Give us a call to learn more.