Wireless != peace of mind.
Wireless is the way to go. It is fast, super-convenient, secure, affordable and very easy to set up and use
with blurbs like this who wouldnt want wireless?
but lets just rethink this statement and face some realities.
fast... :
Wireless G* (54mbps) perfomance still lags dramatically behind a cabled connection (100mbps or 1gbps). (yes the .n draft remedies this somewhat but its not cost effective or in its final state just yet)
Example: Try copying a 2gb file over your wireless connection and then copy the same file over cable, see the difference!.
* i'm using G as a base performance indicator because super G (108) was never a solid standard and there just isnt enough compatibility among vendors )
very easy to setup...
How many IT support calls do you think i get for a cabled network? almost none, unless the cable is broken in some way the cable medium is as near to trouble free as you can get.
However with wireless... There are just so many hidden variables to consider when setting up and troubleshooting. it could be the access point, or the router, or the adaptor or a 3rd party wifi software bug etc.
secure...
via CABLE:
*Want to join into a ethernet cable based network? without physical access to the cable medium u'r completely out of luck.
* excludes access achieved through the internet , extranet based network access and or direct terminal access.
via WIRELESS:
It broadcasts your network beyond the physical boundaries of your home/office. You have no control on who can attempt to gain access to your network.
no encryption enabled? anybody can gain access.
WEP encryption enabled? a few minutes of using a crack tool and you are in
WPA/WPA2 - you are at least adequately protected for now.
Wireless networking is a phenomenon that is significantly boosting overall personal and business efficiency
How exactly is my efficiency getting boosted? I'm certainly not getting a faster or more secure experience , I'm only getting location convenience.
"Setting up the wireless network at home or in the office is quite simple. It is a matter if plugging in the ADSL line into the router, adjusting some easy settings such as giving your network a name and enabling security, and entering your user name and password provided by the ISP," says Lange.
yes setting up wireless can be easy if you know exactly what you are doing. However they failed to mention: signal strength issues, wireless mode compatibility issues, channel interference issues, encryption mis-match and compatibility issues, multiple network device interactivity issues etc etc
There are certain things that you compromise to have a wireless based infastructure .... speed,reliability & security.
If you are happy compromising on at least 2 of those then by all means uncable your home/office and enjoy the wireless experience.
my final thoughts... STICK TO CABLE , it just works!