Ethernet
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet,fiber networks are classic cable networks. The advantages of wired networks are stability, security, range and transmission rate. The acquisition costs are comparatively low. The major disadvantage of cable networks is of course the installation effort if there is no existing wiring and the lack of mobility of the connected to the cable network components.
If you want to use the possibilities of the Internet, you have to ask yourself a fundamental question, namely: Wired or wireless? In the early days of the Internet were wired, so-called ethernet networks, of course, nowadays is found in almost every household WiFi. Nevertheless, even in times of WiFi, a ethernet network offers many advantages, which should be carefully considered, especially in house building.
WiFi or Ethernet?
If you are planning a new home, you have a lot to worry about, after all, the planning is about decisions that should remain behind even decades later. It is therefore worth thinking about a ethernet wiring, because if the cables are to be laid later, you either have to reopen the walls or you have to fight a very ugly cable salad across the house - both not a very pleasant idea. However, you also have to be aware that a ethernet cabling in house building is not a cost-effective matter, because you should plan several connections per room, for example, to control the electronics in the house and still have room for devices. Of course it is equally important not to save on the quality of the cables. You should be aware at the time of purchase that the technology will have to compete with newer standards even after years or decades, so you should opt for the most advanced cables on the market (currently CAT6 or even CAT7). The installation of ethernet cables does not mean that you are already opting for the exclusive use of a wired network. Rather, it creates an option that allows you to take advantage of a wired network. Thus, for example, it is possible to connect one or more devices in a LAN network and to work on these with particularly sensitive data. One of the biggest advantages of LAN is, besides the high data transfer speed, the increased security compared to a WLAN network. In addition, for mobile devices such as smartphones and notebooks, another, wireless network to LAN network can be set up. LAN networks are particularly useful when high data volumes are to be transmitted over greater distances. With the current CAT5 and CAT6 network cables distances of half a kilometer and more are possible, CAT7 even creates up to 10 kilometers. Either so-called twisted-pair cables, which, however, have to have a very good quality, or even better use modern fiber-optic cables. Even with high-resolution live video transmissions, a fast data exchange is extremely important in order to achieve perfect picture and sound quality. In any case, LAN WLAN is definitely superior. Today LAN networks are mainly using Ethernet technology, but in the past other technologies such as Token Ring or FDDI were common.
Components in a ethernet network
In addition to the installation of the wiring, which ideally takes place behind the walls, only a few individual components are required for a ethernet network. Ideally, the cables should be of good quality and laid in special cable conduits so that they can be transmitted without interference on the one hand and a reasonably uncomplicated replacement on the other hand if necessary. In modern ethernet networks a so-called ethernet switch is the central point, managing all the data connections between the connected devices. If the network needs to be extended, another switch can also be connected to the uplink port of the central switch. All common DSL routers ahve an integrated ethernet switch. Older devices with 10/100 Mbps switch, newer ones with gigabit opgtion (10/100/1000 Mbps) which allos a faster connection. Depending on the transmission rates supported by the connected devices, the fastest possible transmission rate is aotomatically chosen.Fast data transfer and high security - Ethernet offers many advantages. However, if you have not any cables yet, there is certainly a certain amount of work to do. Whether you ultimately opt for it or for the easy-to-install and flexible WiFi, is also always dependent on what requirements are made later to the network.
Our customer service is happy to assist you in the decision-making and answers your questions about ethernet and Wi-Fi!