The Future of Ethernet

Ethernet cables are present in nearly every house, some are metres long, some are very short, and most go about their daily business almost completely unrecognised by anyone. Still, some in the industry are predicting that wireless technology might mean the end for this unassuming office hero, but is this true?The first place to go is, of course, the people who sell [tp lang=”en” only=”y”]ethernet cables[/tp][tp not_in=”en”]ethernet cables[/tp] like online specialists RS Online, and, contrary to the doomsayers ethernet cables remain some of the most popular products that they sell. So obviously there is still quite a market for the cable, but who is using it, and what for?

An ethernet cable is used for networking, whether you’re linking two computers together, a computer with the internet, or a computer with any other product, then it’s probably an ethernet cable that’s providing the bridge. Most of the cables on the floor of your office will be ethernet, and you will notice that they come in all shapes and sizes and an array of different colours (this, in theory is so you know what’s connected to the printer and what’s connected to the internet, but in reality it just looks like an earthbound rainbow).

The theory runs that these cables are awkward and annoying, particularly in regards to an office scenario and that wireless connections will make them obsolete. Well, wireless connections have been around for quite a while and so far, the cable is still going strong. The reason for this is remarkably simple, wired connections are cheaper, quicker and more reliable, so why would you compromise this for a bit of extra space under the desk (where you probably don’t need it).

The other suggestion is that ethernet cables will be phased out of people’s homes as wireless internet becomes more popular. Now, to a certain extent this is already happening, because most people have a smartphone or a laptop or an iPad, and ethernet isn’t so well suited to these devices. However, desktop computers are also fairly heavily prevalent in people’s homes and as with wireless office connections, wireless internet just isn’t as good as the cabled equivalent.

The actual truth regarding the future of the ethernet cable is probably tied fairly closely to the future of the desktop. As long as the desktop remains the modus operandi in our offices, so too will the ethernet cable. In our homes where desktops are being replaced by laptops and other devices ethernets are less and less popular. As for whether or not the desktop will ever truly disappear? That’s a question for another day.