Wired or Wireless?
We are always asked if we really need to run wire
if you have a wireless system. Here is our response:
Wireless is a convenience, it should never be relied on for infrastructure if you have the ability to hard wire it. A hard wire connection is always faster, more reliable, less prone to interference from the surrounding environment, and more secure. This point becomes even more pertinent when we start to discuss streaming video (such as Smart TV functionality like Netflix, etc. or sending TV video
wirelessly). Streaming video, especially at higher qualities (HD and even more so for 4K resolutions) is one of the most taxing things you can do to a network infrastructure, so it isn’t something you want to leave to a wireless connection.
This is why we continue to emphasize wiring a home as much as possible
when the opportunity is there.
How is a system wirelessly connected?
Wirelessly, of course. Seriously, wireless is only part of the product. Some wireless music systems include an Internet gateway device that needs to be connected to your home Internet router or switch.
Is a wireless music system better than a wired music system?
Wireless is NOT always better, but it’s usually easier to install. Also, with streaming services, you have access to almost any music you can think of listening to. However, few wireless systems can play high-resolution files so if high-resolution is important to you, you should look into more traditional hardwired solutions.
Can your home media handle your wireless?
More problems ensue when people use wireless for all their streaming devices. In this case, try connecting to a different access point or change to a wireless channel that’s not being occupied by other devices in the area.
If your modem, router and wireless access point are all bundled into one product (which is typical of the products supplied by ISPs), consider whether it’s placed in the best location for your home. It may be fine to put a modem in the basement, but a wireless access point should be located at the center of the house so it can effectively reach all of your wireless devices.
Often the router is the weak link in your network. Most homeowners rely on the routers provided by their ISP. These routers are not designed for heavy network functions. A smart practice is to upgrade to an enterprise-grade router that’s designed to handle data more efficiently.
Better products have high-speed processors with more capacity in a system-on-a-chip approach.
Tips for Media Network
1. Tell your CE (Consumer Electronic) pro exactly what kind of media you want and how frequently you use it.
2. Use wired connections whenever possible.
3. Use commercial or enterprise network equipment rather than equipment supplied by your ISP or carried by a big-box retailer.
4. Use VLANs (virtual LANs) to wall off some data from parts of your network to prevent network traffic jams.
5. Use managed switches and Quality of Service Settings to maximize your network for media devices.