Should I have a Wired or Wireless Network?

Gene Bohn

Should I have a wired or wireless network?

You need a computer network (local area network or LAN). Should it be wired or wireless? Reasons for selecting one over the other depend upon cost, dependability, and security. This article discusses the major differences and issues associated with each.

Wired LAN

A wired LAN has cable connecting each network device (pc, network printer, etc) to a central location. Each cable ultimately plugs into a network switch or hub. The maximum distance for a wired copper cable is 110 yards. Running cables is the major task when installing a wired LAN – and this is why many consider wireless. A typical wired LAN speed is 100 Mbps and it does not decrease with cable distance. 

Users are plugged in for access. Limiting facility access also limits LAN access, and this provides first level security from intrusion (and other access limiters should be used also).

Wireless LAN

Wireless LANs use at least one Wireless Access Point (WAP) where wireless connections hub. The transmission between the WAP and network device is via unlicensed radio.

The physical installation is fairly easy. Achieving secure communication requires substantially more work than a wired LAN - and sometimes this favors wire install instead.

Radio waves extend beyond your building enabling intruder access from outside. To prevent intruders, wireless requires additional labor intense security steps. Lower cost household grade WAPs have minimal security and should not be used in a business environment. 

Ongoing wireless problems are interference, signal blockage, security, and signal dropping. Resolving these can entail substantial labor and equipment. People tend to move around with wireless devices and become frustrated with unpredictable signal loss resulting from signal blockage by ducts, mirrors, masonry, etc and sometimes these problems just cannot be overcome without substantial expense.

The wireless range is less than 110 yards. The maximum transmission speed is 54 Kbps – and decreases with distance from the WAP. 

Each network device requires a wireless adapter. Newer notebooks often have these built in. Desktops need these added and installed.

Wireless avoids the wiring and its cost. Wireless requires wireless adapters for desktops and more labor to install – sometimes making wireless more costly than wired.   

Usually you are best served by having someone trained in this specialty evaluate all options and costs.  

E Commerce Technology Michiana, Inc. welcomes the opportunity to examine in detail your location, discuss wired vs. wireless options for you, and all other issues so you do not end up with unbudgeted surprises. Call us at 574 848 9386 for a no cost, no obligation initial discussion of this or any other Computer or Phone system question you may have.

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