Advantages and disadvantages of a wireless network vs wired network

Increasingly, the needs of a modern home and many workspaces are for greater and more versatile internet coverage than just having a single PC, or group of PCs wired up to a router with ethernet cables. Wireless networks enable multiple devices to share the internet connection remotely, as well as share files and other resources. They also allow mobile devices, such as laptops, tablets and ipods to move around within the network area freely and still maintain a connection to the internet and the network.

There are also disadvantages to wireless networks, however, especially when you compare them with wired networks, which generally maintain a faster internet speed and are more secure.

Below, I have listed all of the above points, plus the other main advantages and disadvantages of a wireless network vs wired network.

As I mentioned in the introduction, the main advantage of a wireless network over a wired one is that users can move around freely within the area of the network with their laptops, handheld devices etc and get an internet connection. They are also able to share files and other resources with other devices that are connected to the network.

Not having to lay lots of cables and put them through walls etc. can be a considerable advantage in terms of time and expense. It also makes it easier to add extra devices to the network, as no new cabling is needed.

If you are a business such as a café, having a wireless network that is accessible to customers can bring you extra business.

It can require extra costs and equipment to set up, although increasingly routers have built-in wireless capability, as do devices such as laptops, handheld devices, modern DVD players, and TVs. Setting up a wireless network can sometimes be difficult for people who are not experienced with computers. (Although there are issues with setting up a wired network too, off course!)

The speed of a wireless connection is usually much slower than a wired one.

Wireless connections can be obstructed by everyday household items and structures such as walls.

Wireless networks are generally less secure. There can also be problems with neighbors stealing bandwidth, if the network hasn’t been set up to be password protected.