Although wireless networking is gaining popularity in the industry, you still find most businesses use a wired topology. There are certain advantages to a wired network that at present are difficult to achieve with wireless technology.

• Reliability
• Performance
• Low cost for additional equipment

Reliability
A wired network is relatively insensitive to interference. This fact alone improves performance by not having to continuously re-send data due to corruption or momentary loss of connection.

Performance
A wired network is capable of operating at 1 Gigabit per second (1,000 Megabit's per second) whereas the speed of a wireless network is advertised at over 100 Megabit's per second for the 802.11n standard. However, it is common that you will achieve only 50%-70% of the advertised speed, and performance is dependent on signal strength. If you intend on frequently transferring large files, then your best choice would be a wired network.

Cost
Wireless equipment intended for professional use is more expensive than comparable wired equipment, and all computers come with a wired network connection built in. Because of this, you have a lower initial cost for computers and networking equipment by choosing a wired network. If you run into signal strength issues when setting up a wireless network you may be forced to purchase more equipment than planned, to provide coverage throughout the intended service area. (For example, steelwork in walls and floors can hamper signal coverage with a wireless network.)