Wired vs. Wireless: What LA Offices Are Doing in 2025 to Stay Fast and Secure

If you’ve ever stared at the spinning wheel on a Zoom call or had to reboot your router in the middle of a client meeting, you’re not alone. In Los Angeles, where business moves fast and expectations are high, your office network can’t afford to slow you down. And in 2025, the conversation many business owners are having with their IT providers comes down to this: should your office be wired, wireless, or a hybrid of both?

At IT Training & Consulting, Inc. (ITTC), we’ve spent the past 20 years helping small and midsize businesses across LA find the right network solutions — not just for speed, but for security, reliability, and growth. Let’s break down what we’re seeing in today’s office environments and what that might mean for your business.

Wired vs. Wireless: The Basics

Wired connections rely on physical Ethernet cables that connect devices to your network. Wireless networks use Wi-Fi, typically via access points strategically placed throughout your office. Each has pros and cons — and which one works best depends a lot on your space, your team, and what you’re doing day-to-day.

Why Some LA Offices Are Still Going Wired in 2025

In an era of wireless everything, it might surprise you that many offices in California are doubling down on Ethernet. But here’s the thing — wired is still king when it comes to speed and stability. Especially for businesses that rely on large file transfers, video production, or real-time data applications (think architecture firms, marketing agencies, legal teams, and healthcare providers), a wired setup reduces latency and outages.

Mini Case: Downtown LA Architecture Firm

One of our clients, a mid-sized architecture firm in Downtown LA, was experiencing major lag when accessing shared 3D rendering files from their NAS (Network Attached Storage). We recommended a simple Cat6 cabling upgrade and reconfigured their switch setup. The result? 3x faster file access and zero network dropouts — which meant happier clients and fewer all-nighters.

The Wireless Reality in 2025

Wi-Fi has come a long way. With Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E becoming the standard, speeds are blazing fast — in theory. But in the real world? It’s not always that simple.

The Pros of Wireless

• Flexibility for hybrid work
• Easier setup in modern, open offices
• Supports mobile and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

But Wi-Fi has limitations — especially in older buildings (and we know LA has plenty of those). Brick walls, outdated routers, or interference from other networks (hello, high-rise co-working spaces) can cut your signal strength in half.

According to Statista (2024), 43% of US small businesses reported network performance issues due to Wi-Fi interference or congestion. That’s a stat you can feel when your team’s productivity starts slipping.

Security: Where the Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

Let’s talk cybersecurity — because speed without security is a recipe for disaster.

In 2023, Forbes reported that 61% of small businesses experienced a cyberattack, with compromised Wi-Fi networks being a top entry point. It’s not just about having a password anymore. With wireless, you need enterprise-grade encryption, VLAN segmentation, and constant monitoring to stay safe.

The Wired Advantage

Wired networks are inherently more secure. They’re closed systems, meaning someone needs physical access to the network to breach it. That makes them a top choice for businesses in healthcare, finance, and legal — all industries with strict compliance requirements.

What We’re Seeing in LA Offices in 2025: The Hybrid Model

Here’s the truth: most businesses in Los Angeles aren’t going fully wired or fully wireless. They’re doing both. And doing it smart.

The hybrid network model is now the norm, where mission-critical devices (like workstations, servers, VoIP phones, and security systems) are wired, while mobile users and guests connect wirelessly. This approach balances speed, security, and flexibility.

Real-World Scenario: Creative Agency in Santa Monica

A growing creative agency came to us with a common problem — their team needed flexible seating and remote-friendly setups, but they also had a content team constantly uploading huge video files. We built a hybrid infrastructure with hardwired desks for content creators and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi for everyone else. We also created a separate guest network to keep visitors off the main system. Today, they’ve got speed, freedom, and peace of mind.

Infrastructure Matters: Don’t Skip the Cabling

Even if you’re leaning wireless, your network still depends on solid cabling. Access points, routers, and switches all need clean, well-organized Ethernet cabling to function properly. Skimping on infrastructure can turn your office into a troubleshooting zone.

At ITTC, our Cabling Solutions service is one of the most underrated but impactful offerings. We’ve helped clients turn chaotic wiring closets into streamlined, labeled hubs of efficiency. It’s not flashy, but it’s the backbone of a reliable network.

Cost Considerations: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Business owners often ask us, “Is wireless cheaper?” The answer is… sometimes. But not always.

• Wireless can save on cabling costs, especially in open-plan or co-working-style spaces.
• Wired might have a higher upfront cost, but lower maintenance and more uptime over time.

The trick is knowing what your business actually needs — not just today, but 2-3 years from now. Are you growing your team? Moving into a new space? Planning to adopt more cloud-based tools? These decisions all affect your network design.

Don’t Forget VOIP and Phones

One thing many offices overlook is how their phones connect. VOIP phones are essentially mini-computers — and they rely on your network. A choppy call with a client? That’s probably a network issue, not a phone one.

At ITTC, we always assess phone systems as part of the bigger picture. Wired VOIP setups are usually more reliable, but if you’re going mobile or desk-free, we’ll help you configure a wireless-friendly solution that doesn’t drop calls.

The ITTC Approach: What Makes Us Different

We’re not just another IT vendor. We’re local. We’ve worked in every corner of LA — from startup lofts in Culver City to medical offices in Glendale to legal teams in Century City. We don’t offer cookie-cutter setups. Every network we design is tailored to your space, your industry, and your goals.

We believe in tech that just works — so you can focus on running your business, not rebooting routers.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do?

Here’s our advice to LA business owners in 2025:

• Assess your needs: Speed, security, flexibility — what matters most to your team?
• Audit your current setup: Are you still relying on a router from 2018? We can help you evaluate.
• Talk to an expert: A 30-minute conversation can save you months of frustration.

Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or just tired of slow connections, give us a call.

If you’re a business owner in LA and want to take the stress out of IT, give us a call at (844) 804-4882 or visit it-tc.com — we’re always happy to talk tech over coffee or Zoom.