Wired or Wireless?

[Islandcapture]

I tried searching for this topic but nothing came up.

I know a wired network is faster than a wireless but I never had a problem with a wireless n setup -- streaming Hulu to my computer is smooth.

My new TV has a wireless feature but the free Blu-ray player it came with isn't so I was forced to run a wire to it. Then I had a HT installed which required another Ethernet cable.

I ended up getting a switch and just wiring everything INCLUDING the TV.

My question, is there a difference plugging an Ethernet wire on the TV or can it remain wireless? It's a Samsung 46D7000 SmartTV. I feel like the apps pops up faster but that could just be my imagination.

Thoughts?

[laie_techie]

There are a few things to consider when choosing between a wired and wireless network.

1. Speed. Wired networks generally are either 100Mbps or 1Gbps, while 802.11G maxes out at 54Mbps (802.11N theoretically can attain 600Mbps). Of course, these high speeds only go to your modem. Your modem's connection to the eternet is much slower.

2. Security. With a wired connection, your network packets travel along the wire; in a wireless network, your packets are broadcast through the air. With a wired connection, you can focus on a single entry point into your network (eg. your modem). With a wireless network, you must use proper encryption so that any intercepted packets don't make sense, and also secure your WAP (wireless access point) in addition to your modem.

3. Distance and obstacles. Wires can maintain good speed for hundreds of feet, while wireless speed degrades within 30 feet. Also, obstacles (such as walls and floors / ceilings) cut down the wireless signal strength. On the other hand, there may be some obstacles which make running Cat-5E (preferably Cat-6 or Cat-7 at this point!) from your switch to your device.

4. Costs. With a wireless network, you buy a WAP with a good built-in firewall, plus a wireless adapter for all your devices. With a wired network, you need switches, network cable, network card for each device, plus any expenses you incur running the cable.

I bought a newly built home with Cat-5E run to all rooms (including right next to my cable hookup in the living room), so it made sense to have a mostly wired network. I have added a wireless portion to my network so I can connect my laptop and smart phone to the internet and move about the house freely. Since my house has three floors, I have a wireless network relayer in addition to a WAP.

[Islandcapture]

Thanks for the great info! Wireless now is way better than before but yes, both methods have their uses.