When should you go wireless and when should you hardwire?

Question

I am trying to determine what is the best route to take when developing a network. There are 100 computers to be networked together, 6 printers, and one server. The building is brick exterior but it also brick divider walls. Considerations should be cost, speed, and signal strength.

Answer 1

I would go with a wired network in your situation. The cost will be much lower, the speed will be faster and you won't have to worry about signal strength. Since there are brick walls everywhere, you would have to buy a lot of Wireless Access Points or Repeaters to keep the signal throughout the building.

Answer 2

Your going to have to have more than just a wired solution with 100 computers,
Multiple routers should be used,
Cluster your computers using star topagraphy.
Assign routers to rooms or areas to cut down on cable usage.
Also, will there be a general area confrence room, court yard that should be wireless?

Answer 3

I'd concur on the wired solution. Go with Cat5e cabling because it is gigabit compliant. You'd have faster speeds, lower collisions, and more security with a wired solution.