The decision to have a wired or wireless computer network may seem like a simple choice. Many businesses gravitate toward wireless network options because of the convenience afforded by wireless networking. However, some inconveniences of this system must be considered before a final decision is made. Understanding the differences between wireless and wired computer network installation can help you make the right choice for your business's needs.

Reliability

Wired connections remain the most reliable source of network connectivity. This is because wireless connections can be impeded by the existence of walls, as well as the strength of the signal and by the number of users on the system. Too much activity on a single wireless network can also cause the network to slow down, or even crash. While wireless technology is advancing all the time, and there are features (AP power and WLAN controller power, for example) that can be included to improve the reliability of an enterprise-level wireless network, wireless technology can present many problems for businesses. Wired connectivity, on the other hand, is consistently reliable and fast. It can be impeded by building construction and breaks in the cable but is otherwise generally available for the users that need it.

Convenience

Wireless connectivity offers a level of convenience and freedom not found in wired networks. In a wireless network, any user can connect to the network from any point within the network's range. For businesses with workers that are constantly mobile, who walk around and speak with clients, who move from desks to conference rooms and who need to work from mobile devices within the network, a wireless network affords workers the kind of freedom they require. Even adding a new employee to a wireless network is more convenient. In a wired office, new employee work stations must be hardwired into the walls. This makes the process of adding an employee more cumbersome and slow.

Security

Wireless networks may be more prone to security threats. When the wireless network extends beyond the walls of the building, anyone standing outside the building may try to access the network remotely. This can make it more difficult for a business's IT department to protect the business and keep the business's data secure. Wired connections offer more control by their nature, because access points into the network are limited.

Which One is Right For Your Business?

Each business must decide for themselves which type of network is right for them. For small businesses that perceive few security threats, wireless connectivity may be adequate to meet their needs. For larger, high-profile businesses, wired connections are a common preference. For more information and advice, talk to an IT professional or computer network installation company, such as Tech Fixing Center LLC.

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