The Disadvantages of Wired Technology
When considering a technology for your business, it's important to consider the possible drawbacks. Wired technology has many advantages for businesses, including security, reliability and speed. Wired technology can, after all, be traced back over a hundred years, making it a much older technology than wireless. However, it also has a number of notable disadvantages that wireless technology does not have. A lack of mobility, risk of damage, cost and scalability are all issues with the use of wired technology.
The biggest disadvantage of wired technology is that it lacks the mobility that wireless technology provides You are physically limited to the reach of the cable, whereas wireless technology allows users to move great distances freely and without hassle. Moving equipment that is even within the range of the cable may be difficult if you choose to mount the cables rather than have them dangling.
Another physical constraint of wired technology is that wires can be easily damaged, which is not as large of a concern with wireless technology. Exposed cables are susceptible to everyday abuse from things such as cleaning. Wires that are exposed and not properly laid may also pose a tripping risk, not only damaging the cable but also potentially sending someone to the emergency room. Damaged wires may have to be completely replaced.
The cost of wired technology can be quite expensive when used in large buildings. This is especially true when locating cables underground or running them through multiple stories of a building. Depending on the size and scope of the job, professional crews may be needed to install wired networks for your business. In comparison, wireless technology would not require expensive underground cables or any significant damage to building structures such as a hole in walls or ceilings.
The scalability of wired technology can be both costly and time consuming. It may even interrupt workflow as crews rewire areas within the office. In comparison, wireless networks can be set up relatively cheaply using multiple access points without the need for significant alterations to a building.