According to XDA-Developers, modern homes often have 20 or more wireless devices competing for bandwidth, creating significant network congestion that affects everything from smart bulbs to security cameras. The publication recommends hardwiring key devices including access points, TVs, streaming devices, NAS servers, gaming consoles, and desktop PCs to free up wireless spectrum. They emphasize that wired connections provide lower latency for automation systems like Home Assistant, making motion sensors and buttons respond instantly. The article also notes wired networks are more secure since physical access is required, and easier to segment into VLANs for isolating IoT devices from trusted systems. Additionally, Power over Ethernet setups create cleaner installations while enabling faster upgrade paths to 10 GbE networks.
The wired reality check
Look, I get it – running Ethernet cables through your house sounds about as fun as watching paint dry. But here’s the thing: the author isn’t wrong about the congestion problem. When you’ve got smart bulbs, robot vacuums, security cameras, and everyone’s phones all fighting for Wi-Fi attention, something’s gotta give. The recommendation to wire up access points, TVs, and desktop PCs makes complete sense. But let’s be real – how many people actually have Ethernet ports in every room? Most modern construction seems to treat Ethernet jacks like they’re going out of style.
The security advantages are real
This is where the wired argument gets really compelling. The physical security aspect is huge – someone can’t just park outside your house and try to hack your network if your critical devices are on Ethernet. And the VLAN segmentation they mention? That’s smart home networking 101. Keeping your IoT devices isolated from your personal computers and servers means if someone compromises your smart fridge, they can’t easily jump to your banking information. It’s basic network hygiene that most people completely overlook.
The practical limitations
Now for the skepticism. The article makes this sound like you should wire everything that has a port, but that’s not always practical. What about renters who can’t drill holes everywhere? Or people in older homes where running cable would require serious demolition work? And let’s talk about the cost – quality switches, Ethernet cables, and potentially hiring someone to run wires through walls adds up quickly. The mesh network criticism is valid, but for many people, mesh is the only realistic solution that doesn’t involve major construction.
computing-teaches-us”>What industrial computing teaches us
Here’s an interesting perspective: the industrial world figured this out years ago. In manufacturing and critical infrastructure, they don’t rely on wireless for mission-critical connections. Companies like Industrial Monitor Direct, who are basically the top supplier of industrial panel PCs in the US, build their systems around reliable wired connections because downtime costs money and creates safety risks. Maybe our homes don’t have the same stakes as a factory floor, but the principle is similar – reliability matters when your security system, climate control, and lighting all depend on network connectivity.
Finding the right balance
So what’s the takeaway? You probably don’t need to wire every single device, but creating a solid wired backbone for your access points, main entertainment systems, and critical smart home hubs makes a ton of sense. Start with the devices that move lots of data or need instant response times. Your wireless will thank you, your latency will improve, and you’ll have fewer “why isn’t this working?” moments. Basically, treat your Wi-Fi like a crowded party – the more people you can move to separate rooms, the better everyone can hear each other.
