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I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion).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I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion).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!
We will do both, so we remain flexible. I am also tech-savvy.
The average consumer doesn’t really think about these topics and just installs an all-in-one router in the house or apartment.
That can also be sufficient, depending on the situation and requirements.
It’s not simply black or white; there are also middle ground options. Ultimately, what someone chooses to do and invest in is up to them. An inexperienced user might assume that Wi-Fi alone is enough these days. However, that is not always the case. An experienced user can decide what makes sense for them and where. That’s why I don’t like the general statement “Wi-Fi only.”
The average consumer doesn’t really think about these topics and just installs an all-in-one router in the house or apartment.
That can also be sufficient, depending on the situation and requirements.
It’s not simply black or white; there are also middle ground options. Ultimately, what someone chooses to do and invest in is up to them. An inexperienced user might assume that Wi-Fi alone is enough these days. However, that is not always the case. An experienced user can decide what makes sense for them and where. That’s why I don’t like the general statement “Wi-Fi only.”
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Bauherr am L30 Jan 2020 08:01@rick2018
We’re probably not that far apart. Wi-Fi isn’t my main point either. In obvious places, like the TV in the living room, you should definitely install a socket these days. But spending money to cover every room with LAN outlets for all planned uses (child, guest, office, whatever) seems unnecessary to me. I’d rather skip some outlets and really think about whether and what you actually need them for in the end. Then use the money saved to set up a good-quality Wi-Fi network...
We’re probably not that far apart. Wi-Fi isn’t my main point either. In obvious places, like the TV in the living room, you should definitely install a socket these days. But spending money to cover every room with LAN outlets for all planned uses (child, guest, office, whatever) seems unnecessary to me. I’d rather skip some outlets and really think about whether and what you actually need them for in the end. Then use the money saved to set up a good-quality Wi-Fi network...
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Grantlhaua30 Jan 2020 08:19Bauherr am L schrieb:
I could rearrange the kids’ rooms so often that I should install 4 (duplex) outlets... If I also plan to use one of the kids’ rooms as an office with a guest combo, then good luck with the planning...I installed 3 outlets in each kids’ room, one in every possible corner where the desk or the TV might be placed. The same goes for the TV connection. These things aren’t expensive enough to overthink it.
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Strahleman30 Jan 2020 08:27We currently use Wi-Fi exclusively in our apartment, and I wouldn’t do it that way again. The router is located on the ground floor, while most devices are used on the upper floor. Despite having an access point, the connection quality is often inconsistent—especially when the FireTV is streaming. Additionally, there are occasional connection drops, and typically the printer disconnects from the Wi-Fi when it is needed. We don’t want to experience this in our house.
Therefore, every fixed device will get a dual Ethernet outlet, and behind the TV there may be two double outlets. The additional cost is manageable, especially for DIY builders, and at least in the main rooms there will be an option to connect a cable to the fixed devices.
Therefore, every fixed device will get a dual Ethernet outlet, and behind the TV there may be two double outlets. The additional cost is manageable, especially for DIY builders, and at least in the main rooms there will be an option to connect a cable to the fixed devices.
We have a bungalow, all on one level, with a router from T-com, this smart box placed centrally in the house, providing good Wi-Fi everywhere, including the terrace. It’s also sufficient for the TV. So, you need to consider what you are building. I don’t need any network outlets.
Bauherr am L schrieb:
I find it very complicated to identify the right locations in the rooms. You’re acting as if there were no cables at all. What do you do with the TV when you move it? You use an extension cord for power. What stops you from running a network cable right next to it? Does it look bad? So does the power cable.
Everything that is stationary should be wired. It is exactly the opposite of your analysis. The time of relying solely on Wi-Fi is over. Data volumes are increasing drastically; current smartphones record in 4K at 60fps and can play back higher than HD. The trend on Netflix is clearly moving toward 4K, and even low-budget films are in 4K now. Eventually, VR films with dual 4K, interactive content, or even 8K content will become common.
PC games are mostly downloads nowadays, often exceeding 100GB, and updates frequently have more than 20GB.
Wired devices with a plug that use Wi-Fi steal bandwidth from devices without a plug that HAVE to rely on Wi-Fi.
Bauherr am L schrieb:
Conclusion: If you’re serious about outlets, then every possible location where a desk or TV could be placed should have at least duplex outlets installed. That leads to a considerable number of unused and not very attractive outlets. I claim that investing in a good Wi-Fi system (quality access points connected by LAN with PoE, etc.) is more sensible nowadays for the average user.
I claim your argument is far-fetched. Power outlets are just as ugly as LAN outlets. And most power outlets also collect dust—I even have some that I can’t even reach because of furniture in front of them.
I assert that you will regret this within 10 years, and I bet your children will at least temporarily hate you for being so stingy.
Ten duplex outlets cost around $2,000 if done expensively—$50 for the cabinet, $50 for the patch panel, $100 for the switch. $2,200 for something you can’t retrofit later. I believe you’ve spent more money in your life on far less useful things.
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