Pros & Cons of Hardwired vs. Mesh Home Networks

Monday, 24 June 2024

Which Method Is Best for Reliable, Speedy Internet?

Nowadays, a strong internet connection is essential in every room of the house. We rely on Wi-Fi and the internet to communicate, stream music, TV, and movies, and even control smart devices.

Unfortunately, most routers from internet service providers are low-quality and can’t reach every area of your property. To solve this, you can expand your network in one of two ways:

Install hardwired access points that connect to the main router and broadcast signals to new areas.
Create a mesh network with a group of wireless devices that relay data by "meshing" together rather than connecting through a central access point.

Still confused? Unsure which is best? Let’s compare both mesh and wired home networking systems to help you find the right option in Lighthouse Point, FL.

Mesh Wi-Fi Networks

A mesh network utilizes wireless ‘nodes’ (routers or IoT devices) that act as a relay point, receiving data and transmitting it to other devices. This allows data to ‘hop’ from one node to the next. If one node fails or becomes out of range, data will reroute to another node or path. It’s a decentralized approach; nodes are not directly wired to the network.

Pros & Cons of Mesh Networks

Pros:

Easy plug-and-play installation without Ethernet cables
Devices automatically connect to the nearest node for optimal signal
Scalable by simply adding more nodes to extend coverage

Cons:

Lower bandwidth and speeds compared to hardwired access points
More latency/lag which can impact real-time apps like gaming/streaming
Wireless backhaul means nodes share and split bandwidth
Decentralized framework is less reliable

Wired Wi-Fi Networks

A wired Wi-Fi network uses Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables to install new access points (APs) that connect to your router. These access points then broadcast Wi-Fi signals to new areas of the house with all the strength of the original router.

Pros & Cons of Wired Wi-Fi Networks

Pros:

Higher throughput and reliability by using dedicated Ethernet backhaul
Better performance for bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive uses
More control and customization options than consumer mesh systems
Can be managed remotely by accessing the WAP device

Cons:

Requires running new Ethernet cables, which can be difficult/expensive
Professional installation is often needed for cabling and configuration
Limited mobility since devices connect to the nearest hardwired WAP

What’s the Verdict?

In summary, a hardwired Ethernet network provides the fastest, most reliable performance across your home but requires extensive cable runs. A mesh Wi-Fi system offers convenient, seamless coverage but trades off some speed and latency. The best choice depends on your home's layout, Wi-Fi needs, and budget.

If you’re looking for dependable, speedy performance in every room, and if you’re willing to hire a professional installer, a wired network may suit you best. First Priority Audio provides home networking installations in the Lighthouse Point, Florida, area.