More and more computers are connected to the Internet in our home. We are talking about televisions, video players, game consoles … Many of them are part of what is known as the Internet of Things. Basically they are household appliances and devices that are part of our day-to-day life at home and that are connected to the network. Now, as we know, we can connect computers wirelessly through Wi-Fi networks and also by cable. In this article we are going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each case.
More Internet-Connected Devices at Home
As we say, today we have many computers connected to the network in our homes. We live in a connected society, in which each device is integrated into everyday actions. We are no longer talking only about having a computer and a mobile phone, but also about being able to watch television over the Internet, use video players connected to the router, etc.
All this means that our networks must be able to offer adequate quality and stability. It is important to maintain speed, but also to avoid small cuts that can affect everything related to the proper functioning of this equipment.
For this reason, sometimes we must ask ourselves if it is better to connect the equipment by cable or by Wi-Fi. Sometimes we will have no choice but to choose one or the other, since our device does not have compatibility for both options.
Connect household equipment by cable
One of the options we have is to connect our television, game console or any device in our home, by cable. This is going to have its positive and negative points, as we will see.
Advantages of connecting devices by cable
- We avoid falls : One of the advantages of connecting devices by cable is that we avoid falls. We will have more stability and quality of the signal. That is something that users value very much.
- Less battery problems : we will also have less power problems. After all, a device connected by Wi-Fi is going to consume more resources, something that can be negative if we have a battery.
- Less security risk : security is also a factor to consider. Connecting our equipment by cable may prevent others from accessing it remotely.
- More speed : finally, speed. Connecting by cable generally means that we will have a better Internet speed. We are not going to depend so much on being close to the router and having good coverage.
Disadvantages of connecting devices by cable
- More cables : one of the most obvious disadvantages is that we will have more cables. It is a reality, if we are going to connect a computer by wire we will always have a cable there.
- We cannot move them so easily : if we depend on a cable we will not be able to take the equipment and take it to another point of the home easily. We will also have to move the cable or find a way to get the connection.
- We may have to do some small work : sometimes to connect by cable we will have to do some small work so that the cable reaches the device. For example pass it behind a wall.
- Limit of connected devices : There is also the problem of the limit of devices connected at the same time. Typically the router has four Ethernet ports and having a device connected by cable means that one of those ports will already be busy.
Connect home computers via Wi-Fi
Another option is that we connect our devices wirelessly. Perhaps it is the most used today. As in the previous case, we are going to have positive and negative points. It is important that we take them into account.
Advantages of connecting computers via Wi-Fi
- More mobility : one of the clearest advantages is that we will have more mobility. Let’s say we have a television connected by Wi-Fi. We will be able to take it and take it to another room and it will continue to work as long as there is coverage.
- Fewer cables : of course this is important for many users who do not want to have so many cables. When connecting via Wi-Fi this problem decreases.
- More compatibility : there is also more compatibility especially when connecting to third devices. We will have more flexibility in this regard.
- No device limits : a Wi-Fi router allows you to connect many computers wirelessly, although limited by cable. Therefore we can say that there would be no problems in having many devices at the same time.
Disadvantages of connecting computers via Wi-Fi
- Battery : Battery is one of the most prominent disadvantages. We are going to have a higher energy consumption and we must take this into account.
- Stability problems : we will also have more stability problems. A Wi-Fi connected device may experience further problems with the quality of the connection under certain circumstances.
- Security : without a doubt, security is something that always brings wireless networks upside down. We will have to protect our networks better to avoid intruders.
- Depend on the range of the Wi-Fi : Finally, we will be tied to the range of the wireless network. It is true that we can use amplifiers, but it is a problem that is always present.