ᐅ Are Ethernet ports still relevant today? Wi-Fi and wireless connections are the future!
Created on: 29 Jan 2020 21:06
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Bauherr am L
Hello fellow cable enthusiasts and Wi-Fi addicts,
I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion). But that’s not what this is about.
Right now, I’m trying to smartly distribute LAN duplex Cat 6a and Cat7 cable outlets throughout the rooms (1st floor: 2 kids’ rooms, kids’ bathroom, master bedroom, dressing room, master bathroom, hallway; 2nd floor: open living/dining/kitchen area, hallway, entrance area, guest restroom).
On one hand, I feel like none of the rooms really fit the outlets perfectly, like: “the desk could go here…” But what if the TV ends up in that corner instead?
On the other hand, I’m looking at our current devices and very few still have LAN ports: MacBooks, iPhones, tablets, or devices that have LAN options but mostly connect via Wi-Fi anyway, like Sonos, printers, TVs.
So the question arises whether LAN ports in rooms are still that important today. I’m not talking about the Wi-Fi access points, which of course should be connected via LAN in a convenient location, or special cases like PoE cameras and door intercoms. I’m mainly referring to the LAN outlets in individual rooms. Most end devices are mobile anyway, and the outlets will be in the wrong place 99% of the time.
I read (yes, I spent some time researching this) that the cost of LAN outlets is negligible. Well, if I install duplex outlets in all those questionable locations, the cost for switches and everything else adds up to a nice chunk.
I would be interested in your opinion on this. Since I am straightforwardly skipping any traditional TV (in our case only satellite would be possible) and the corresponding connections, wouldn’t it be consistent to also counteract the outlet overload regarding LAN?
Looking forward to your comments, thanks!
I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion). But that’s not what this is about.
Right now, I’m trying to smartly distribute LAN duplex Cat 6a and Cat7 cable outlets throughout the rooms (1st floor: 2 kids’ rooms, kids’ bathroom, master bedroom, dressing room, master bathroom, hallway; 2nd floor: open living/dining/kitchen area, hallway, entrance area, guest restroom).
On one hand, I feel like none of the rooms really fit the outlets perfectly, like: “the desk could go here…” But what if the TV ends up in that corner instead?
On the other hand, I’m looking at our current devices and very few still have LAN ports: MacBooks, iPhones, tablets, or devices that have LAN options but mostly connect via Wi-Fi anyway, like Sonos, printers, TVs.
So the question arises whether LAN ports in rooms are still that important today. I’m not talking about the Wi-Fi access points, which of course should be connected via LAN in a convenient location, or special cases like PoE cameras and door intercoms. I’m mainly referring to the LAN outlets in individual rooms. Most end devices are mobile anyway, and the outlets will be in the wrong place 99% of the time.
I read (yes, I spent some time researching this) that the cost of LAN outlets is negligible. Well, if I install duplex outlets in all those questionable locations, the cost for switches and everything else adds up to a nice chunk.
I would be interested in your opinion on this. Since I am straightforwardly skipping any traditional TV (in our case only satellite would be possible) and the corresponding connections, wouldn’t it be consistent to also counteract the outlet overload regarding LAN?
Looking forward to your comments, thanks!
Wi-Fi uses a shared medium, whereas a LAN cable is used exclusively, so Wi-Fi can typically deliver only about 50% net of the gross data rate. Distance, interference, obstacles, and other factors can reduce this even further. In comparison, LAN cables, or Ethernet, usually maintain around 90-95% efficiency, consistently and without interruption.
Even when using top-of-the-line routers and Wi-Fi adapters to achieve higher gross data rates and thus better net performance, there is no guarantee these speeds will always be maintained. For example, a new router, a faulty microphone from a neighbor, or reflections from a newly installed metal-coated mirror in the hallway can all disrupt the connection again. Although Wi-Fi now operates over a fairly wide frequency range, interference can still occur at 5 GHz. Such issues are almost impossible with a wired connection.
Even when using top-of-the-line routers and Wi-Fi adapters to achieve higher gross data rates and thus better net performance, there is no guarantee these speeds will always be maintained. For example, a new router, a faulty microphone from a neighbor, or reflections from a newly installed metal-coated mirror in the hallway can all disrupt the connection again. Although Wi-Fi now operates over a fairly wide frequency range, interference can still occur at 5 GHz. Such issues are almost impossible with a wired connection.
I understand all these theoretical arguments, but at the same time, I see the real-life practice: In our rental apartment, we have had dual network outlets in every room for almost six years. Out of these, only two are actually used. The Apple TV is connected directly to the cable at the TV, and when I’m in the study, my MacBook Pro is also connected to the network. The DiskStation is located next to the switch and router, connected directly.
And what about the rest? All iOS devices are always on Wi-Fi anyway, the printer is used maybe once a month, and its firmware updates probably require more bandwidth than the print jobs. I would at least doubt that our children will ever use devices with a wired network connection.
Following a theoretically reasonable approach, we also installed several outlets throughout the house. But my guess is that many of them will never be used.
And the expected, experienced downside to usage quality? Probably not noticeable.
And what about the rest? All iOS devices are always on Wi-Fi anyway, the printer is used maybe once a month, and its firmware updates probably require more bandwidth than the print jobs. I would at least doubt that our children will ever use devices with a wired network connection.
Following a theoretically reasonable approach, we also installed several outlets throughout the house. But my guess is that many of them will never be used.
And the expected, experienced downside to usage quality? Probably not noticeable.
For me, LAN cables should be installed where permanently fixed devices are likely to be placed, and in quantities that avoid the immediate need for a switch onsite.
The TV in the living room will have a fixed planned location. There might also be media players and a PS4. In that case, I would at least install a double socket, if not two. Don’t forget rooms like the hobby room and the garage. It extends throughout the house. Don’t overdo it, but don’t be overly frugal either. It’s better to have it than to need it!
Those who rely solely on Wi-Fi must implement it perfectly; otherwise, problems will arise. You also have to be lucky that your neighbors don’t clutter your Wi-Fi channels. In the future, internet connections will be faster, and in some computer forums, more questions are already coming up about why Wi-Fi is slower than the internet connection itself.
The TV in the living room will have a fixed planned location. There might also be media players and a PS4. In that case, I would at least install a double socket, if not two. Don’t forget rooms like the hobby room and the garage. It extends throughout the house. Don’t overdo it, but don’t be overly frugal either. It’s better to have it than to need it!
Those who rely solely on Wi-Fi must implement it perfectly; otherwise, problems will arise. You also have to be lucky that your neighbors don’t clutter your Wi-Fi channels. In the future, internet connections will be faster, and in some computer forums, more questions are already coming up about why Wi-Fi is slower than the internet connection itself.
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Bauherr am L30 Jan 2020 07:42I see it the same way as @opalau:
There are many theoretical arguments in favor of Ethernet sockets, but in actual practice they are often not used.
I don’t even question having a TV in the living room. At least currently, one or two potential TV locations should be wired with Ethernet. However, even there, the need is decreasing. A few years ago, you would connect a TV, Fire TV stick, PS4, Apple TV, and so on. Nowadays, it’s usually just a modern flat-screen TV plus maybe one other device, as these typically cover everything from Prime, Netflix, etc. Finding the right spots becomes more complicated when you consider a projector and screen.
In the bedrooms, I find it very complex to identify the correct locations. It’s nice to connect a stationary printer and a NAS to Ethernet. But for the printer, it probably doesn’t matter much (typical home users consume very little bandwidth), and the NAS (as well as other devices you don’t need to interact with directly) usually sits next to the switch in the utility room.
Basically, only TVs and possibly game consoles remain as less or non-mobile devices in the rooms. For these, you might consider a dual Ethernet outlet.
The problem is the location almost always ends up being wrong, and I have the feeling that today’s and tomorrow’s youth will mainly use their mobile devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) on their laps. In the ’90s and 2000s, the (initially) CRT TV was still the dream device for adolescents.
The argument comparing Ethernet sockets to power outlets doesn’t really hold. Power still requires a cable, but data does not anymore.
Conclusion: If you are serious about Ethernet sockets, you would have to install dual outlets at every possible desk or TV location. That quickly adds up to a considerable number of unused and not very attractive outlets.
I would argue that investing in a good Wi-Fi system (quality access points powered via Ethernet PoE, etc.) is more sensible nowadays for an average home user.
There are many theoretical arguments in favor of Ethernet sockets, but in actual practice they are often not used.
I don’t even question having a TV in the living room. At least currently, one or two potential TV locations should be wired with Ethernet. However, even there, the need is decreasing. A few years ago, you would connect a TV, Fire TV stick, PS4, Apple TV, and so on. Nowadays, it’s usually just a modern flat-screen TV plus maybe one other device, as these typically cover everything from Prime, Netflix, etc. Finding the right spots becomes more complicated when you consider a projector and screen.
In the bedrooms, I find it very complex to identify the correct locations. It’s nice to connect a stationary printer and a NAS to Ethernet. But for the printer, it probably doesn’t matter much (typical home users consume very little bandwidth), and the NAS (as well as other devices you don’t need to interact with directly) usually sits next to the switch in the utility room.
Basically, only TVs and possibly game consoles remain as less or non-mobile devices in the rooms. For these, you might consider a dual Ethernet outlet.
The problem is the location almost always ends up being wrong, and I have the feeling that today’s and tomorrow’s youth will mainly use their mobile devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) on their laps. In the ’90s and 2000s, the (initially) CRT TV was still the dream device for adolescents.
The argument comparing Ethernet sockets to power outlets doesn’t really hold. Power still requires a cable, but data does not anymore.
Conclusion: If you are serious about Ethernet sockets, you would have to install dual outlets at every possible desk or TV location. That quickly adds up to a considerable number of unused and not very attractive outlets.
I would argue that investing in a good Wi-Fi system (quality access points powered via Ethernet PoE, etc.) is more sensible nowadays for an average home user.
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