Wired vs. Wireless: Which Home Network Setup is Right for You?

This is the wireless era. We love our mobile gadgets that require Wi-Fi connectivity to serve their purpose. Many of us have replaced our wired devices with wireless ones because they are simply more convenient.

With wires out of the equation, we are no longer bound to a single spot or room to pursue our day-to-day online activities. Does that mean wired networks are out of the picture? Not really.

Thanks to 5G, Fixed Wireless, and Satellite Internet technology, it is now possible to have a completely wire-free network at home. However, cable and fiber internet still rule for a reason!

Let’s hash out the pros and cons of wired and wireless home network setups to help you decide what suits your internet requirements.

What is Wired Internet?

Having a wired internet connection means that you get internet via copper/coaxial or fiber optic cables from your internet service provider (ISP).

The majority of households across the US are powered by Cable internet - a whopping 85%! Therefore, it is safe to say that a wired internet connection is the norm for now. DSL internet is also popular in many rural areas that lack the facility of high-speed cable internet.

Let’s not forget the fiber-optic network that is rapidly growing in metropolitan areas. Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable type of internet connection for residential and commercial use; its limited availability is the only evident downside.

Top ISPs for a Wired Connection

Connection Type Cable

Speed Range Up to 150 Mbps - Up to 1,200 Mbps

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Prices, speeds, and package availability may vary from area to area.

Connection Type Fiber

Speed Range Up to 100 Mbps – Up to 5-Gig

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Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary.  For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.

Connection Type Cable

Speed Range Up to 500 Mbps - Up to 1 Gig

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Connection Type Fiber

Download Speeds Up to 300 Mbps - Up to 2 Gbps

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Pros and Cons of Wired Internet

What is Wireless Internet?

Wireless internet is broadcast in the form of radio waves. The different types of wireless internet connections include mobile broadband, fixed wireless/5G Home Internet, and Satellite Internet.

A wireless home internet device captures radio waves from the nearest cell tower to create your home network. It works like a mobile hotspot but the network is more robust and reliable. 5G technology can provide high-speed wireless internet, yet overall performance fluctuates.

Satellite internet is accessible nationwide, which makes it a promising option for rural dwellers. Internet access is granted by satellites orbiting the earth, which communicate with a satellite dish installed on your house.

Top ISPs for a Wireless Connection

Connection Type 5G

Average Speed 200 Mbps

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Connection Type 5G

Speed Range 30 Mbps – 300 Mbps

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Connection Type Satellite

Speed Range Up to 100 Mbps

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Stated speeds are not guaranteed.

Connection Type Satellite

Speed Range Up to 25 Mbps - 150 Mbps

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Speeds are "up to," are not guaranteed and will vary.

Pros and Cons of Wireless Internet

Understanding Wi-Fi

Wireless home internet and Wi-Fi are often confused as the same thing, given that they both connect you to the internet without a wire. The main difference is that wireless internet is a type of connection, whereas Wi-Fi is a wireless network you create with a router or gateway.

You can get Wi-Fi with any type of internet connection, i.e., wired or wireless. Moreover, you can connect to the Internet without Wi-Fi, but you cannot access the World Wide Web without an Internet connection.

Ethernet or USB cables can be used to connect your computers to a router, though Wi-Fi is necessary for using the internet on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Therefore, whether you choose a wired or wireless connection, establishing a Wi-Fi network is possible either way.

Wired vs. Wireless Network: What to Choose?

Both wired and wireless networks have their advantages, which is why a combination of both is the way to go. Why stick to one when you can get the best of both worlds?

Wired networks are created with ethernet and USB cables plugged into the router or gateway device. Arranging and organizing cables to connect immobile devices all over the house can be a pain. You may need wall mounts and fixtures to prevent physical obstacles or a tangled mess of wires.

Nonetheless, professionals favor wired networks for their unmatched stability and performance. Wired networks are capable of providing ultra-fast and lag-free connectivity - this makes them ideal for internet-heavy activities like multiplayer gaming, 4K streaming, and video conferencing.

A wireless network (Wi-Fi) is best for using the internet on smart devices and mobile gadgets. You can improve Wi-Fi speed and coverage around the house by installing specialized equipment like Wi-Fi extenders or a Mesh Wi-Fi system.