Ask Engadget: WiFi or wired networking?

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Jordan, who wants some geeky help with an ambitious home project. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I've just bought a run-down old house (all I could afford) and I want to make it into a geek paradise. Part of that means I want a world-class home network, but what should I pick? The electrics will all need to be re-done, so I could easily wire in Gigabit ethernet along the way, or should I settle for a couple of high-powered WiFi routers at either end of the house? Any help you can offer would be great, thanks!"

Well, we've given it some thought and we're wondering if you're not better off doing both. After all, with a beefy ethernet switch, you can wire up your heavy-duty gear, but you'll need at least one WiFi adapter for your smartphone or tablet. The only question is if you really need wired networking in 2012 at all, but that's a question we'll leave open to our commenters.

Filed under: Networking, Internet

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