Maya VPS

After some deliberation as to whether a wireless or wired connection is better I decided to put them to the test.

The Five Factors

• Cost
• Installation
• Security
• Reliability
• Performance

The Aspects

Cost

Usually CAT5 cables required for wired networks run about $0.80 per foot. While hubs and routers required to keep hot spots constant are $100+. Although, there would also be labor costs involved in running cables throughout the building should they not have been.

Installation

Typically, wireless hubs and routers are easier to setup than running wires through wall panels and floors.

Security

Though no connection is 100% secure, a wired one can provide more dependability than a "floating" wireless connection.

Reliability

A hard-run wire will provide a physical, direct connection to the Ethernet adapter, whereas a wireless connection may loose potency on either end.

Performance

In this case, the numbers speak for themselves. Comparing an Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n) adapter with a 10/100 Ethernet adapter on a Verizon FIOS Internet connection, the wired connection came out on top by about 1.5 Mb/s. Granted, you gain only a second per transaction, but if you're downloading multiple files, this can help provide a shorter ripple.

Conclusion

A wired connection beats a wireless connection in all aspects except ease of installation and mobility. Though I prefer a wired connection, I wouldn't give up wireless capability on a computer.