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I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion).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I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion).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!
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Fragensteller26 Jan 2021 19:39Three years ago, I installed a socket almost everywhere. In hindsight, I could have saved myself the effort 😉 The only thing I would test beforehand with a long cable is where the access points perform best and whether all Wi-Fi devices have a good signal at their location. I didn’t do this, so it’s definitely worth having sockets everywhere now. Access points are now placed at the best spots in the house.
Well, it probably depends a bit on personal requirements and the environment. If I wanted to have good Wi-Fi coverage everywhere in our home, I would need to install four to five access points over two floors. In that case, I prefer wired connections for stationary devices. Wi-Fi can then serve the mobile clients.
I think we will end up with 4-5 access points even though everything is wired. I would never consider connecting devices suited for wired connections to Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, I want to have the best possible reception everywhere.
As mentioned above, it depends on the requirements. My priority is to have everything running as fast as the device allows.
As mentioned above, it depends on the requirements. My priority is to have everything running as fast as the device allows.
bauenmk20206 Jan 2021 22:00I will also need to install an access point on the upper floor. The reception is usually okay but varies greatly depending on the location.
I imagine that I will also need Wi-Fi coverage for the future garage/garden shed.
However, I find it perfectly acceptable to have only a "limited" range. For me, the signal strength alone is the reason to add an additional access point.
So, we will probably need about 2 access points, which I will only purchase as needed.
I imagine that I will also need Wi-Fi coverage for the future garage/garden shed.
However, I find it perfectly acceptable to have only a "limited" range. For me, the signal strength alone is the reason to add an additional access point.
So, we will probably need about 2 access points, which I will only purchase as needed.
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