WIRED VS. WIRELESS NETWORKING.

WHAT’S THE BEST OPTION FOR MY

BUSINESS?
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INTRODUCTION.
For office administrators and IT managers who are considering the
implementation of a wireless office, it is important to be aware of the advantages
and disadvantages of each solution. 

Since dial-up access, the manner in which office workers access data and applications
has drastically changed with inception of new technologies and faster Internet
connections. In fact, the latest trends point toward cutting the wires altogether in favor of
mobility and flexibility.

Although wireless connectivity and mobility represent a new trend for accessing
information, there are still many that are skeptical about the security and functionality of
wireless networks.  Does it make sense to migrate to a wireless network or is a wired
infrastructure the best way to go?

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both configurations.

AN OVERVIEW OF WIRED
NETWORKS.
A wired network connection is described as a configuration that involves cables which
establish a connection to the Internet and other devices on the network.  Data is
transferred from one device to another or over the Internet using Ethernet cables.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF

USING A WIRED NETWORK?
RELIABILITY AND STABILITY.
When configured properly wired networks provide reliability and stability.  Once the
hubs, switches and Ethernet cables are installed, the end result is a workhorse system
that is extremely reliable. Although wireless connections are constantly improving, you
will find that wired networks are generally more stable and reliable.

Another reason wired networks are reliable is because the signal is not influenced by
other connections. For example, if you have wireless networks that are close to one
another, one signal could interfere with another which can compromise stability. Or, if
you have walls or objects nearby, this has an impact on a wireless connection where a
wired network connection is unaffected by these factors.

VISIBILITY.
Wired networks are not visible by additional wired networks. This means there is no
interference with the connection. At the same time, the network nodes can still
communicate with other nodes (connection points) on the network to facilitate effective
data transfer and storage over network routes.  The nodes are programmed to recognise
and transfer data to other network nodes.

SPEED.
Wired networks are generally much faster than wireless networks.  Data speeds have
continually improved with the inception of Gigabit routers and other new technologies. 
Additionally, wired networks tend to be void of any dead spots that are occasionally
present in a wireless connection. This is mainly because a separate cable is used to
connect each device to the network with each cable transmitting data at the same
speed.

A wired network is also faster since it never is weighed down by unexpected or

unnecessary traffic. Any unauthorised user is unable to connect to the network unless
their device is connected using an Ethernet cable.

SECURITY.
When configured with the necessary firewalls and other security applications, a wired
network is well protected from unauthorised access.  As long as the correct ports are
activated and the network is monitored for suspicious activity, a wired connection with
security technologies in place will provide your office with the protection requirements
you need to perform daily business operations.

COST.
Depending upon the configuration, the framework for a wired network can be rather
inexpensive to install.  Ethernet cables, switches, routers, and other hardware is
relatively cost effective. Additionally, the lifespan of the hardware typically stands the test
of time before an upgrade is needed.
 WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES
OF USING A WIRED NETWORK?
LACK OF MOBILITY.
Wired networks can be inflexible in terms of mobility.  In order to use your device in a
different location, it is necessary to run extra cables and switches to connect a device to
the network. This may or may not be inconvenient depending upon the mobility of your
office workers and how frequently you change your office layout.

INSTALLATION.
Wired network installations can take longer to set up because more components are
required to complete the process. Depending upon the size requirement for your
infrastructure, installation can be lengthy and complex as you connect each and every
device to the network, install the routers, switches, and hubs and configure security
applications and firewalls.

MAINTENANCE.
If you have a small network framework, sometimes there is no need for a server.  
However, once you begin to add more devices to the network, a server is necessary to
handle the connectivity, capacity, storage and workload.

If a wired network requires a server, the maintenance could be potentially costly. Plus,
you would have to compensate an IT professional or a staff of IT professionals to
oversee the maintenance and security.

WIRES.
Running a wired network means dealing with a conglomeration of wires that can be
unsightly and inconvenient. Cables can present falling hazards or become inadvertently
disconnected by office workers or cleaning crews.

On the other hand, if you see the cables as the security and lifeline to your office
operations, it may not bother you to see an endless array of wiring. Additionally, the
wires may serve as a reminder of the reliability and stability of your network connection.

AN OVERVIEW OF WIRELESS
NETWORKS.
Wireless networks are configurations that operate on radio frequency or microwave
signals.  The radio signals allow wireless enabled devices to communicate with one
another and the Internet without having to be connected to the network via an Ethernet
cable.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF

USING A WIRELESS NETWORK?
COST.
In general, the cost of implementing a wireless network is relatively inexpensive unless
your network requires additional equipment such as wireless repeaters or a commercial
grade router. Wireless repeaters increase signal strength and a commercial grade router
provides a more reliable connection and improved security controls.

INSTALLATION.
Overall, installation of a wireless network is faster and easier because it requires less
equipment.  Additionally, you do not have to spend the time connecting each device to
the network using Ethernet cables.

MOBILITY.
Wireless networks allow your office workers to be more mobile with the flexibility to
access the network from any location using any type of wireless enabled device. There
are no hassles with cables and all connectivity can be achieved without the limitations of
physical cables. Plus, your office is neat and clean as the result of the absence of wires.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES

OF USING A WIRELESS
NETWORK?
VISIBILITY.
With wireless networks, one network is visible to the other which can affect the
performance of your connection. Because the networks can see one another, the
possibility of interference by other wireless enabled devices or obstructions is higher.

Additionally, the nodes or connectivity points on a wireless network cannot hear the
other nodes on a single network.  This can compromise the performance and quality of
your connection.

SECURITY.
In general, wireless networks are less secure than wired networks since the
communication signals are transmitted through the air.  Because the connection travels
via radio wave, it can easily be intercepted if the proper encryption technologies (WEP,
WPA2) are not in place.

However, when properly secured, wireless network security is relatively safe.  The
encryption technologies prevent unauthorized users from deploying scanners to identify
and penetrate the network.

SPEED.
As a whole, wireless networks lack the data transmission speed capability of wired
networks. Instead, a wireless network is primarily dependent upon the maximum speed
capability of your current configuration.  In this case, a hybrid solution is sometimes
deployed with both wired and wireless connections.

RELIABILITY AND STABILITY.

In terms of reliability and stability, wireless networks are prone to interference by other
networks, wireless enabled devices, and objects such as walls that can obstruct the
connection. Additionally, if you are a mobile worker and you are changing locations, the
strength of the signal can vary as well. Therefore, the amount of latency you experience
with a wireless network will be inconsistent when compared with a wired network.

FINAL THOUGHTS.
If the cost of upgrading your network is a concern and you require the maximum security
and performance, a wired network may be the connection of choice. And, if you are not
concerned about mobility, a wired connection may serve your office needs well.
On the other hand, if you are not concerned about cost and you prefer mobility and the
latest technologies, then you should seriously consider a wireless network. And, if you
are concerned about office wiring, a wireless network may be your best bet.

For a more in-depth cost comparison, a recent TechTarget apples-to-apples cost

comparison article will provide you with more information.

Additionally, if you are interested in more in-depth details on wireless networking, there
is an interesting white paper published by U.S. Robotics that will provide you with
additional information.

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