Wireless vs wired home automation? While wireless connectivity has made great strides, there are several reasons why wired smart home automation is still the best option for many homeowners. From solid network connections to security, structured wiring is the backbone of the smart home.
This article will look at some of the key benefits of wired home automation and why you may want to consider using it in your own home.
Every house requires a solid technological control panel and foundation.
Consider all the electrical and technological aspects of your home and how they’re interconnected. Things like your security system, security camera lighting, climate control, and appliances are somehow connected. Even your Wi-Fi setup relies on wiring to function properly. As a result, you can understand why a wired home automation system is more reliable and consistent.
Wireless signals can be interrupted by walls, interference from other wireless devices, or even weather conditions. Not only does this cause issues such as slow downloading or lagging video streaming, but it can affect all the devices in your home that rely on a Wi-Fi connection.
A wired system is not as susceptible to these issues because the signals transmit through physical cables. So, you’ll always have a reliable and robust connection that won’t leave your home vulnerable to outside forces.
Wireless bandwidth overload creates a need for cabled connections.
The average American home has 25 wifi-connected devices. And with the rise of smart home technologies, that number will only increase.
As more and more devices connect to your wireless network, you’ll see a decrease in performance. This happens because each device is competing for bandwidth on the same frequency.
You can solve this problem by hardwiring some of your devices to create a dedicated network for them. This is especially important for devices that require a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming video or gaming consoles. Wiring allows you to create a fast and reliable connection that won’t be bogged down by other devices on your network.
This is especially crucial for people who use the internet connection on a daily basis for work. With multiple devices for various purposes, it can be challenging to manage them all on a single wireless network. Not to mention, purchasing additional Wi-Fi extenders or upgrading your home’s internet connection to a better Wi-Fi plan is costly.
Wireless vs wired home automation and the difference between building a better signal.
Building a pathway for signals to travel is a foolproof method to avoid signal issues. Wireless signals need a clear line of sight to work correctly and often have difficulty penetrating walls. If you live in a multi-story home, the distance the signal must travel also affects its strength.
On the other hand, wired home automation uses Ethernet cables that can be run through the walls, making it easier to connect devices in different rooms or on different floors. An ethernet cable also provides a more consistent and secure connection instead of relying on a wireless signal that is susceptible to interruptions.
With a better signal, you’re able to:
- Download and upload files faster. No more waiting for files to buffer or download at a snail’s pace.
- Get higher-quality streaming video (4K video included) and audio. Wireless signals can cause lagging and choppy video or audio playback. Hardwired connections provide a much smoother streaming experience.
- Eliminate dead spots in your home. Wireless signals don’t always reach every corner of your home, but with Ethernet cables, you can connect devices in any room.
Ultimately, you can enjoy better overall performance with the help of a wired home automation system.
Secure your space and keep your peace of mind.
One of the main concerns with any type of home automation is security. You want to ensure that your family and belongings are safe when away from home. Wireless systems are more vulnerable to hacking because they rely on radio frequencies that struggle with interceptions.
On the other hand, wired home automation uses physical cables that are much more difficult to tamper with. This provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind, knowing that your home is better protected against intruders.
In addition to the physical safety of your home, wired network systems also protect your privacy. Wireless signals can be intercepted by anyone within range, allowing them to access your personal information. With a wired connection, your data is better protected against eavesdropping and hacking.
If you’re looking for a more secure and private home automation system, look no further than a wired solution.
Future proof your house with cabling.
As technology advances, the need for faster and more reliable connections will only increase. Wireless systems will become outdated quickly as new standards are introduced, but with a wired connection, you can easily upgrade your home automation system to the latest and greatest.
As technology evolves and new devices are introduced, the way we use our homes will change. In recent years, the jump to 5G and gigabit network speeds has been exponential. In addition, the need to support tech like 8K videos, VR, and other AI devices creates a demand for even faster data speeds. Thus, to keep up with these advances, it’s crucial to have a home automation system that can grow with you.
With a wired connection, you won’t worry about your system becoming outdated or incompatible with new devices. Instead, simply upgrade your cables and hardware as needed, and you’ll be good to go.
Cabling is also much easier to install while constructing a new home. However, retrofitting your home isn’t out of the question either. Either way, work with your contractor and AV and automation professionals to include the necessary design and wiring for a home automation system.
Read more: When to Include AV and Automation Professionals in New Home Construction Planning
Keep fiber optic in your technological diet.
Fiber optic is the premium standard for wired home automation. It uses light instead of electricity to send data, making it much faster than other types of cables. This is an excellent option for people who want the best possible performance from their home automation system.
Fiber optic is also much more durable than other types of cables. In addition, it’s not susceptible to interference from radio frequency, electromagnetic, or electrical signals and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it ideal for use in any home.
While fiber optic is more expensive than other cables, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line system. Not to mention, the price is only going to come down as the technology becomes more widely available.
Wireless vs wired home automation — upgrade your smart home in every way with wired home automation.
Is there even a debate on wireless vs wired home automation at this point? Not really! This is because wired systems offer advantages that even Wi-Fi can benefit from.
Let’s review all the benefits of wired home automation.
Home automation systems allow you to control various aspects of your home using a central controller or your smartphone. While many home automation systems are wireless, some homeowners prefer wired systems for various reasons.
Low-Security Risk
One of the advantages of wired home automation is that it poses a lower security risk than wireless systems. This is because wired systems are more difficult for hackers to access wirelessly.
Interference-Free
Wired home automation systems are also less likely to experience interference from outside signals. This means that they are more reliable and can be counted on to work when you need them.
Stability and Reliability
Wired home automation systems are also more stable and reliable than wireless systems. This is because wired systems are wired directly into your home’s electrical system, meaning they are a permanent part of your home’s infrastructure. This can be an advantage if you plan on staying in your home for a long time.
Fast Service and Support
If you have a wired home automation system, you can usually receive faster service and support from your home automation provider. This is because wired systems are more accessible for home automation providers to troubleshoot and fix.
Now, while we’re big advocates for wiring, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t mention a few of the disadvantages of wired home automation.
Disadvantages of Wired Home Automation Systems
While wired home automation systems offer several advantages, they also have disadvantages.
More Involved Installation
One of the biggest disadvantages of wired home automation is that it can be more complicated to install than wireless systems. This is because wired systems need to be wired into your home’s electrical system, which can be complex and time-consuming.
Higher Initial Cost
Wired home automation systems also tend to be more expensive than wireless systems. This is because wired systems require more equipment and labor to install.
Equipment Longevity
While wired home automation systems are more stable and reliable than wireless systems, wired equipment has a shorter lifespan. This is because wired equipment is constantly exposed to electrical currents, which can cause wear and tear over time.
Cable Management
Wired home automation systems also require more careful cable management than wireless systems. This is because wired systems have many cables that need to be routed through your home in a tidy and organized manner.
Overall, wired automation systems are best for homeowners looking for a reliable and secure system. Additionally, it is a good choice for homeowners who do not mind the higher initial cost and are not concerned about the flexibility of their system.
Connect your home appliances, smart home devices, and more with a wired home automation system!
Whether you want automated shades, smart thermostats, a home theater system, or lighting control, our team can design and install a custom wired home automation solution!
Our team specializes in creating and collaborating with interior designers and AV installation technicians to create custom home automation systems that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of wired smart home automation, or if you want to discuss the possibility of installing a system in your home, contact us today! We would be happy to answer any questions you have. In the meantime, check out our budget calculator to start planning!
