With Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 routers now available, you might wonder why anyone still runs data cables. The answer is simple: wired connections are still faster, more reliable, and lower latency than any wireless technology. But that doesn't mean you should cable every device. Here's how to think about it.
Speed Comparison
- Cat6 cable: 1 Gbps guaranteed (10 Gbps over short runs) — full speed, every time, with zero interference
- Wi-Fi 6 (typical): 200-500 Mbps real-world in a typical home environment
- Wi-Fi 6E/7 (typical): 500-1,000 Mbps real-world, but only if you're close to the access point with no obstructions
The key difference: wired speeds are consistent. Wi-Fi speeds vary dramatically based on distance, walls, interference, and how many devices are connected. The speeds you see on the box are theoretical maximums you'll rarely achieve in practice.
Reliability
This is where wired wins decisively. A cat6 cable either works or it doesn't — there's no intermittent signal strength, no interference from the neighbour's Wi-Fi, no dropouts when the microwave runs, and no congestion from too many devices.
If you've ever had a video call freeze, a game lag spike, or a 4K stream buffer at the worst possible moment — that's Wi-Fi doing its thing. Wired connections don't have those problems.
Latency
- Cat6 cable: <1ms latency
- Wi-Fi: 5-30ms latency (more under congestion)
For gaming, video conferencing, and real-time applications, the lower latency of wired connections makes a noticeable difference.
What Should Be Wired
- Desktop computers and workstations — they don't move, so why use wireless?
- Smart TVs and streaming devices — 4K streaming demands consistent bandwidth
- Gaming consoles — competitive gamers will tell you wired is non-negotiable
- NAS/network storage — file transfers over wired are 10x faster
- Security cameras (IP/PoE) — wired cameras are more reliable and PoE eliminates the need for separate power
- Wi-Fi access points — the irony: the best wireless network is built on a wired backbone
What's Fine on Wi-Fi
- Phones, tablets, laptops — they move around
- Smart home devices (lights, plugs, sensors)
- Wireless speakers and smart displays
- Casual internet browsing from the couch
The Ideal Home Network Setup
The best home networks use both:
- Cat6 cable runs from a central patch panel to every room with a TV, desktop, or console
- Cat6 runs to 2-3 ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi access points for whole-home wireless coverage
- Wireless for mobile devices and IoT
This approach gives you the reliability of wired where it matters and the convenience of wireless where it makes sense.
Installation Cost
- Per Cat6 data point (installed): $150–$250
- Typical home (6-8 points + patch panel): $1,200–$2,000
- Add Wi-Fi access point runs: $200–$400 per AP location
Planning a home network upgrade? Call Randwick Electrical on 0413 707 758 — we design and install structured data cabling that makes your whole home network rock solid.