Introduction
Today every organization rely on computers and computers have become most essential component in organizations and they need them for communication, sharing of files ,voice chat, data storage and many more things. Computers are interconnected with each other is referred as network. These networks are utilizing either Wired or Wireless technology. Ethernet is the traditional wired network but wireless network technology is becoming popular. Wired and Wireless networks have their own advantages as well as disadvantages.
Wired Networks
Wired LANs utilize Ethernet cables and network adapters but two computers can be wired using an ethernet crossowver cable. In order to accommodate more computes Wired LANs require centrea devices such as hubs, swtiches or routers to have room for more computers.
Wireless Networks
WLAN technology follows one of the three key Wi-Fi communication standards. 802.11b was the first standard to be used in WLans. 802.11a standard is faster however, more expensive than the above. In commercial networks 802.11s is widely used. 802.g taking efforts to merge both 802.11a and 802.11b but it is much more expensive. The benefits of wireless networking depend on the standard utilized.
Installation
In wired Ethernet cable should run from one computer to another computer or otherwise to the central device. When the computers are in differetn locations it takes lot of time and not easy to take cables through walls and also under the floor area. The cabling arrangement for a wired LAN varies depending on the devices, the type of Internet connection, and modems which are utizlied whether internal or external. After hardware installation, other steps in arranging wired or wireless LANs do not change much. Both rely on standard Internet Protocol and network operating systemconfiguration options.
In Wireless there are two different wayas Wi-fi networks can be configured. Infrastructure mode allocates wireless devices to communicate with a central node which in turn communicate with wired nodes on that LAN. Ad hoc mode allocates wireless devices to communicate in peer-to-peer mode with each other. Most LANs need infrastructure mode to Internet, a printer, or other wired services, whereas ad hoc mode supports only basic file sharing among devices. Both Wi-Fi modes need wireless network adapters, now and then called WLAN cards. Infrastructure mode WLANs in addition, need a access point. The access point should be installed in a central location where wireless radio signals can arrive at with least obstruction. Even though Wi-Fi signals usually reach 100 feet (30 m) or more than that obstacles such as walls can significantly decrease their range.
Cost
Wired networks it is very cheap comparatively namely Ethernet cables, hubs and switches. Connection sharing software packages such as ICS can be obtained free of charge or inexpensive. However, Broadband routers are expensive although there are other alternatives such as a wired LAN. However, their higher cost can be counter balanced because of easier installation and security features.
In comparison Wireless gear costs more than the equivalent wired Ethernet products. Wireless adapters and access points may cost three or four times as much as Ethernet cable adapters and hubs, switches, in that order. 802.11b products have dropped in price significantly with the release of 802.11g.
Reliability
Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are exceptionally consistent, mostly as a result of manufacturers have been continually improving Ethernet technology during the past. Sometimes loose cables are annoying source of failure in a wired network. When installing a wired LAN or moving any of the components later, it is necessary to be vigilant to check cable connections. During the past Broadband routers have also suffered from some reliability problems. Contrasting other Ethernet gear, these products are comparatively new, multi-function devices. Broadband routers have matured during the past years and their reliability has enhanced very much.
Wireless LANs suffer a few more reliability problems than wired LANs, though perhaps not enough to be a significant concern. 802.11b and 802.11g wireless signals are subject to meddling from other home appliances. Examples microwave ovens, cordless telephones, and garage door auto openers. However, With cautious installation, the probability of such meddling can be reduced. Wireless networking products, such as 802.11g, are new. It will take some time to advancing.
Performance
Wired LANs provide greater performance. Conventional Ethernet connections provide merely 10 Mbpsbandwidth, although 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet technology costs very little more. However, 100 Mbps represent a maximum performance never achieved in practice, Ethernet should be sufficient for high-speed Internet access. Wired LANs using hubs can undergo performance slowdown in the event computers heavily utilize the network at the same time. Use Ethernet switches in its place of hubs to keep away from this problem a switch costs only very little more than a hub.
Wireless LANs using 802.11b support a maximum bandwidth of 11 Mbps, approximately the same as that of conventional Ethernet. 802.11a and 802.11g WLANs support 54 Mbps, which is just about one-half the bandwidth of Ethernet.Wi-Fi performance is distance sensitive which means maximum performance will degrade on computers away from the access point or other communication end point.Since more wireless devices use the WLAN more a great deal, performance degrades still more. In general the performance of 802.11a and 802.11g is adequate for sharing and file sharing, however, usually not adequate for LAN gaming. The greater mobility of wireless LANs assist counterbalance the performance disadvantage. Mobile computers do not need to be tied to an Ethernet cable and can roam freely within the WLAN range. However, many computers are larger desktop models, and even mobile computers must sometimes be tied to an electrical cord and outlet for power. This undermines the mobility advantage of WLANs in many homes.
Security
Firewalls are the primary security consideration or any wired LAN connected to the Internet,. Wired Ethernet hubs and switches are not compatible to firewalls. On the other hand, firewall software products like Zone Alarm can be installed on the computers. Broadband routers provide alike firewall competence put up into the device, configurable through its own software.
Wireless networks are less secure than wired networks as wireless communication signals travel through the air and can easily be intercepted. The weaknesses of wireless security are more theoretical than practical. WLANs defend their data through the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption standard which makes wireless communications reasonably safe same as wired networks. However, no network is totally secure. Significant security considerations for related to whether the network is wired or wireless but rather ensuring internet firewall is appropriately configured. It is necessary to aware of the spoof e-mails and the way to recgnize them and familiar with the spyware and how to avoid them and also unnecessary people should not be given access to the network.
Conclusion
The information above summarizes the comparison of wired and wrieless networks. For a cost-conscious organization or an individual , need maximum performance of system, and not consider much about mobility, then a wired Ethernet LAN is probably appropriate. In the event cost is less of an issue, it is necessary to concern about the task of wiring with Ethernet cable, then it is necessary to consider a wireless LAN. Many organizations and individuals will obviously fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
References
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/homenetworking/a/homewiredless_3.htm
http://www.vicomsoft.com/knowledge/reference/wireless1.html#6
http://www.blackbox.com/tech_docs/tech_overviews/wiredwireless.html