Local area networks (LANs) were traditionally implemented using cabling. However, wireless LANs have become easier to create and maintain and are now providing flexible networking options for many businesses.
As with most technology solutions there are pros and cons for both approaches.
Why choose "Wired"? |
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The Pros |
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Cost - Although it can be somewhat expensive wiring the entire house, it is still the most inexpensive solution in terms of networking, which makes it very appealing. |
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Reliability - If everything is connected correctly in terms of wiring, you should hardly ever run into a problem on the cabling end. |
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Speed - Whilst wireless networking speeds are suitable for home users and most business users, some business network users who download and transfer high quantities of data may require Gigabit networking speeds - up to 1000 Mbps. With speeds now hitting around 10 gigabits per second with category 6 cabling, wireless can not keep up at the moment. |
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Secure - Ethernet networks are very secure, predominantly due to their physical nature - no one can utilise your network connectivity or monitor your traffic unless they are also physically connected to the network. Wireless networks can be made secure, but devices have to be configured to protect your network. |
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The Cons |
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Lack of mobility/flexibility - One of the biggest cons of the wired setup is that it needs to have a cable to access the internet everywhere in the house can cause problems and wiring nightmares. |
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Wiring messes - Running cables across a building that does not have structured cabling runs in walls and ceilings can be a hazard as there is nowhere to hide the wires. |
Why choose "Wireless"? |
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The Pros |
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Mobility -The biggest advantage of wireless is you will be able to access the internet from any location inside and out side the home or office. |
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Setup - Even those without a great deal of networking experience can set a wireless network. Also installation can be carried out with no disruption to your environment. |
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Lack of mess - Without any wires it provides the tidiest solution of all the networking possibilities. |
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Secure - If set up correctly using the numerous security protocols available with wireless networking devices, wireless networks can be extremely secure. Wireless connectivity can be password protected, limited to designated computers using the machines MAC address and firewalls built into Wireless Routers prevent intruders accessing your organisation's network. |
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The Cons |
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Speed - It still cannot compare to the speeds that are available to the wired networks, but it is getting closer every day. Although new 54Mbps wireless technology is more than 5x faster then 10Mbps wired Ethernet networks. |
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Reliability - Wireless networks are still more vulnerable to interference than their wired counterparts. Also they prone to fluctuations in available bandwidth. |
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Cost - The biggest drawback of the wireless solution. It is still fairly expensive to go wireless but costs have been gradually decreasing. Although setting up a small wireless office network can cost significantly less, as the only items to purchase are the networking devices themselves. |
Please click here or call us on 03 9840 1644 for a FREE quote. |
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