Legacy wired networks are hardly obsolete in 2019

When modern business owners think about network infrastructure, they tend to gravitate towards wireless solutions, and this preference is very easy to understand; after all, wireless is what we have become accustomed to in our homes, schools and public spaces, but traditional wired networks should not be discounted as relics. Physical networks are still being installed in many offices across California, and they often operate parallel to a wireless segment.

ARE WIRELESS NETWORKS THE WAY OF THE FUTURE?

The wireless connectivity revolution shows no signs of losing strength. In Europe, for example, the advent of 5G networks has given rise to new mobile broadband data packages for business owners. These subscription-based data plans are delivered by a series of SIM or eSIM chips meant to be installed on routers, smartphones, tablets, or mobile Wi-Fi hotspot devices such as MiFis. While this mobile broadband option is becoming very popular across Europe and parts of Latin America, many business owners still decide to install at least one wired network in their main office.

From a logistical point of view, you can’t beat Wi-Fi networks because they are easy to install, use, and change as needed. When you combine a Wi-Fi network with a cloud data platform, scaling your business is very easy; tasks such as adding new workstations for new employees can be accomplished in minutes, and you also have the advantage of enacting a “bring your own device” policy. From a performance and security standpoint, however, Wi-Fi is not always the best choice.

BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL NETWORKS

With legacy physical networks, business owners are faced with installations that may involve lots of wiring. Should you choose to operate an Ethernet network, you will have to deal with some degree of cabling around the office, but this does not mean that you will have to face a tangle of wires. Sonic Systems network technicians take great pride in their ability to make wires and harnesses disappear. What you get from an old school Ethernet network is complete control plus enhanced security, speed, and the best possible connection to your internet service provider.

The choice of Ethernet over Wi-Fi is completely yours, and you can always choose a network architecture that is mainly wired but still provides a wireless segment. Offices that handle extremely sensitive data that must be physically stored and managed on-premise should consider a wired network solution; if the data can be securely stored in a remote location, a Wi-Fi network with advanced encryption measures should be sufficient.