In a time when connectivity is as essential as electricity, relying solely on wireless local networks (WLAN) in homes and workplaces is becoming increasingly problematic. Despite advances such as the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, following the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 and the FCC’s expansion of the 6GHz band to facilitate Wi-Fi 6E, challenges persist due to inherent limitations of Wi-Fi technology.

Understanding Wi-Fi’s Performance Issues

Wi-Fi’s ease of deployment makes it the go-to choice for many, but it struggles with multiple high-bandwidth devices. While theoretically capable of connecting up to 250 devices, most routers become less efficient with increased load. Users experience slower speeds, dropped connections, and intermittent service, which can severely disrupt daily operations and leisure activities.

Even with the advancements designed to handle more simultaneous connections, the number of devices in a typical household continues to climb, exacerbating these performance issues.

Spatial Limitations of Wi-Fi

The theoretical range of a standard Wi-Fi router extends up to 250 feet, but this is under optimal conditions. Obstacles, particularly walls and floors, can significantly weaken the signal, and electronic devices can cause interference. This means a router located on the first floor might offer poor connectivity on the second floor, leading to frustrating inconsistencies in service.

Solutions like MESH network routers, range extenders, and boosters are available to combat these range issues. However, these can be expensive and still suffer from the core performance issues plaguing standard WLAN setups.

Security and Health Concerns

Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with cyber crimes increasing annually. Unfortunately, wireless networks offer potential gateways for cyber attacks. Simple steps like network encryption and robust firewalls can help, but wired connections are inherently more secure.

Additionally, health debates continue to swirl around wireless use, and there are still lingering concerns about the radiation emitted by wireless devices. Research still needs to be ongoing before we fully understand the implications on human health.

Enhancing Connectivity with Wired Solutions

The key to mitigating WLAN‘s downsides is not replacing it but rather complementing it with a secure, robust wired network. Connecting Ethernet to Wireless Access Points (WAPs) to bypass problem areas and integrating smart hubs that use Z-Wave or Zigbee protocols instead of Wi-Fi can significantly enhance network efficiency.

Installing appropriate Ethernet access points throughout a home or business can ensure secure, fast and reliable connections anywhere they are needed. This frees up bandwidth on your wireless router and secures data transmission, which is especially critical for sensitive information.

Balancing wireless and wired infrastructure is essential for achieving reliable and secure connectivity as we move towards more integrated and automated environments. By understanding the inherent limitations of wireless signals and adopting a hybrid networking approach, homes and businesses can enjoy the best of both worlds.