Wireless Network Advantages and Disadvantages: In our everyday life, we frequently come across and even use a wireless network. Mobile phones, tabs, laptops, etc., are all wireless networking devices that we use. The wireless network is quite popular across the world, and its usage is increasing day by day. Wireless network technology is efficient and also is cost-effective. With each fleeting day, it is becoming a handy tool for the mobile workforce.
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What is Wireless Network? Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Network 2022
Computer networks that are not linked or connected by any cable are known as wireless networks. Wireless networks comprise a wireless connection among different parts like the receiver and transmitter of a wireless system.
The wireless network does not involve the use of optical cables, twisted pair cables, or any wires. For carrying information, electromagnetic waves are used. The waves carry information using various modulation techniques. The information is carried between the transmitter and the receiver. For transmission of electromagnetic waves to the air or receiving electromagnetic waves from the air, antennas are used.
- Advantages of Wireless Network
- Disadvantages of Wireless Network
- Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Network
- FAQs on Pros and Cons of Wireless Network
Advantages of Wireless Network
- Accessibility: Wireless networks do not require any wires or cables, and hence the users can communicate even when they are moving. It allows users to roam around without getting disconnected. As a result, there is a productivity improvement.
- Easy installation: Installing a wireless network is faster and easier compared to a wired network. It also reduces the usage of cables that are difficult to set up and imposes the risk of safety since the user can trip on the wires and fall. If users want to change the network, they have to update the wireless network to meet the new configurations.
- Wider reach: Wireless networks have a wider reach than wired networks. They can be easily extended to places where wires and cables are not accessible.
- Flexibility: Setting up a wireless network helps the user to do work from home easily. Due to this network, users can work more productively and also have accessibility to customer data.
- Efficiency: Wireless networks allow improved and better communication of data. With a wireless network, the transfer of information between users is much faster.
- Cost-effective: Wireless networks are cost-effective since they are cheaper and easier to install. Even though their initial investment is high, with time, the overall expenses become lower.
Disadvantages of Wireless Network
- Security: Security is a big issue while using wireless networks. If a wireless network is not installed correctly or maintained correctly, it may cause severe security threats. Connecting physical components such as wires is not required by a wireless network. They only need a wireless adapter which automatically increases the risk of hacking since hackers can have easy accessibility of the network. If there is password protection for the network, then situations may take a turn for the worse.
- Limited bandwidth: Wireless networks cannot support VTC or Video Teleconferencing since they have minimal bandwidth. It also has limited expandability since there is an absence of a wireless spectrum for occupying. The bandwidth can also get stolen by neighbors if the network is not password protected.
- Speed: The speed of the wireless network is slower than the speed of wired networks. Transferring or sharing files is much slower in a wireless network. The speed also depends on the location of the user concerning the network. The farther the user is from the network, the worse the connection becomes. This is a huge problem for large spaces or buildings.
- Cost: Wireless networks are usually inexpensive, but the cost of installation is very high. Setting up a wireless network is very costly, and sometimes there are extra costs along with it. A wireless network may require the setting up of specific equipment, which can be costly.
- Prone to interference: Due to external factors like dust storms or fog, there are high chances of interference and jamming in wireless networks. Wireless networks are highly prone to interference; therefore, fog, radiation, radio signals, or any similar interference may cause a malfunction in a wireless network. Again, when there are too many users in the same area, the air band using which the signals are transmitted can get overloaded.
- Coverage: The coverage area of a wireless network is minimal. A typical wireless router allows users within the range of 150 to 300 feet to use the network.
- Requires basic computer knowledge: Setting up a wireless network requires minimum knowledge of computers. People who are inexperienced in the computer field may face trouble installing a wireless network. There is a high risk of security, and hackers can easily hack those networks.
Wireless Network Advantages And Disadvantages In Tabular Form
| Advantages of Wireless Networks | Disadvantages of Wireless Networks |
|---|---|
| Increased Mobility: Wireless networks allow for easy movement and flexibility as users can access the network from anywhere within range | Limited Range: Wireless signals have limited range and can be affected by physical obstacles such as walls, buildings, and other objects |
| Reduced Cost: Wireless networks can save money on cabling and infrastructure costs | Security Risks: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to hacking and other security threats, making them less secure than wired networks |
| Scalability: Wireless networks are easy to expand and can accommodate a large number of devices without the need for additional infrastructure | Interference: Wireless networks can be affected by interference from other wireless devices, such as microwaves, cordless phones, and other networks |
| Convenience: Wireless networks eliminate the need for cables, making it easier to set up and use devices in different locations | Speed and Performance: Wireless networks can be slower and less reliable than wired networks, especially in areas with high network traffic or interference |
| Flexibility: Wireless networks allow for flexible work arrangements and remote access, enabling employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection | Health Risks: Some studies suggest that exposure to wireless signals may have negative health effects, although this is still a subject of debate |
Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Network
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| The wireless network does not require any cable or wires, and hence communication is possible even when the user is moving. | The range of a wireless network is minimal, and it causes problems for many users. |
| Wireless networks can be easily extended to places where wires and cables are not accessible. | People who are inexperienced in the computer field may face trouble installing a wireless network. |
| Installing a wireless network is easier and faster. | The wireless network is very prone to interference, and hence, fog and radiation can cause it to malfunction. |
| Wireless networks require a one-time investment and, hence, are cheaper. | The cost of installing a wireless network is prohibitive. |
| Improved and better communication is available if one is using the wireless network. | The wireless network has minimal bandwidth. |
FAQ’s on Pros and Cons of Wireless Networks
Question 1.
Are wired networks safer than wireless networks?
Answer:
No. In the past, wired networks were indeed considered to be safer than wireless networks. However, nowadays, the security provided by wired networks is the same as the security provided by wireless networks, as long as they are correctly configured.
Still, securing a wireless network is far more critical because accessing a wireless network does not require physical access to a cable or jack, and hence it is more prone to getting hacked.
Question 2.
Is there a specific range for the usage of a Wireless network?
Answer:
It is pretty tricky to answer this question since there are many Wireless technologies available. Each of them has a different range of usage. For example, the range of a Wi-Fi wireless access point or a hotspot is around 20 meters indoors, and for outdoors, they have a pretty long range. Compared to this, other technologies may have a lesser or broader range.
Question 3.
What is wireless media?
Answer:
Wireless media carries electromagnetic signals, which represent binary digits of data communication with the help of microwave or radio frequencies.