DO YOU RECOMMEND COMPANIES USE ETHERNET OR WIFI?
What’s the difference between a wired connection and a wireless one? Are one of these internet connections better for your team’s needs than the other? In short, there are many considerations you’ll have to make when investing in internet access for your business. These expert tips from Emily Lugo, owner of Computer Troubleshooters Greensboro Central, can help you decide between Ethernet or WiFi for company use.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHERNET AND WIFI?
To put it simply, Ethernet is wired, and WiFi is wireless. As Lugo explains, “the term Ethernet is generally used to describe a wired local area network. WiFi is a method of connecting to a network without cables.” Both will connect you to the internet, but an Ethernet connection requires a physical connection using Ethernet ports and cables. A WiFi connection requires no physical cable hook-up and connects devices to the internet through a wireless router and modem.
IS ETHERNET MORE SECURE THAN WIFI?
If you’re concerned about keeping your business data private, Lugo recommends using an Ethernet connection rather than a WiFi connection to connect your employees to the internet. “Both options can be secured, but it is more complicated to secure a wireless network because it is more easily hacked. WiFi is susceptible to proximity hacks where an attacker is nearby but does not have to physically enter the business space.”
If you or your employees work remotely and use wireless connections, it’s important to be cautious of the network you choose to connect to, especially if it’s a public one. Public WiFi networks are more susceptible to hackers than wireless home or wired networks. So if your employees decide to work remotely from a local coffee shop, ensure they take precautions when accessing public WiFi to ensure your data stays secure.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING ETHERNET VS. WIFI?
WiFi is more popular with the world’s 5 billion internet users, especially on mobile devices, but that doesn’t necessarily make it better. Bad WiFi signals can slow your connection speeds, and your connection can drop altogether if the network becomes overloaded. Ethernet network adapters typically offer more bandwidth, providing more room for data transfer. They also offer lower latency. While it’s still possible for an Ethernet connection to become overloaded, too, it’s not as likely.
Overall, Ethernet offers a more stable and reliable connection. As Lugo reiterates, “Ethernet is generally capable of faster speeds and is less prone to interference which provides greater reliability.” While Ethernet cables limit your ability to move your devices around, it provides a more secure connection. Depending on the type of device you use, this is a small price to avoid security and connectivity issues.
Do you need to get your businesses connected? Consider these tips to determine what type of network connection is best for your company. Contact your local Computer Troubleshooters office today to protect your company with our data and network security solutions.