Wired vs. Wireless

Wired vs. Wireless

1. wired

   • advantages
     • Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are very inexpensive
     • some connection sharing software packages, like ICS, are free.
     • Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are extremely reliable.
     • Wired LANs offer superior performance.
     • Broadband routers offer equivalent firewall capability built into the device, configurable through its own software.
     • Wired connections can reach networking speeds of up to 1000 Mbps with Gigabit Ethernet networking equipment, necessary for bandwidth hungry.
   • disadvantages
     • Need to run cables in difficult environments through walls, floors and ceilings.
     • Cables need to be run from computer to computer and switch to switch. Process can be time consuming.
     • Loose cables likely remain the single most common and annoying source of failure in a wired network.

2. Wireless

   • disadvantages
     • Need to run cables in difficult environments through walls, floors and ceilings.
     • Cables need to be run from computer to computer and switch to switch. Process can be time consuming.
     • Loose cables likely remain the single most common and annoying source of failure in a wired network.
   • advantages
     • The greater mobility of wireless LANs helps offset the performance disadvantage. Mobile computers do not need to be tied to an Ethernet cable and can roam freely within the WLAN range.
     • It is relatively easy to set up a WAP and configure a WNIC using a wireless connection utility.
     • Wireless networks have much less cabling which leads to a much neater working environment. You do not need to run cables across your house/office, which can create trip hazards across rooms, hallways and stairs.