Wired and Wireless Netweork

Wired Networks

Wired networks, also called Ethernet networks, are the most common type of local area network (LAN) technology. A wired network is simply a collection of two or more computers, printers, and other devices linked by Ethernet cables. Ethernet is the fastest wired network protocol, with connection speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps or higher. Wired networks can also be used as part of other wired and wireless networks. To connect a computer to a network with an Ethernet cable, the computer must have an Ethernet adapter (sometimes called a network interface card, or NIC). Ethernet adapters can be internal (installed in a computer) or external (housed in a separate case). Some computers include a built-in Ethernet adapter port, which eliminates the need for a separate adapter.

Wireless Networks

A wireless network, which uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes, is another option for home or business networking. Individuals and organizations can use this option to expand their existing wired network or to go completely wireless. Wireless allows for devices to be shared without networking cable which increases mobility but decreases range. There are two main types of wireless networking; peer to peer or ad-hoc and infrastructure. 

An ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wireless network consists of a number of computers each equipped with a wireless networking interface card. Each computer can communicate directly with all of the other wireless enabled computers. They can share files and printers this way, but may not be able to access wired LAN resources, unless one of the computers acts as a bridge to the wired LAN using special software.

  

An infrastructure wireless network consists of an access point or a base station. In this type of network the access point acts like a hub, providing connectivity for the wireless computers. It can connect or bridge the wireless LAN to a wired LAN, allowing wireless computer access to LAN resources, such as file servers or existing Internet Connectivity.

Wired Networks
Pros	Cons
Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are very inexpensive. Some connection sharing software packages, like ICS, are free. Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are extremely reliable. Wired LANs offer superior performance. Broadband routers offer equivalent firewall capability built into the device, configurable through its own software. Wired connections can reach networking speeds of up to 1000 Mbps with Gigabit Ethernet networking equipment, necessary for bandwidth hungry.	Need to run cables in difficult environments through walls, floors and ceilings. Cables need to be run from computer to computer and switch to switch. Process can be time consuming. Loose cables likely remain the single most common and annoying source of failure in a wired network.

Wireless Networks
Pros	Cons
The greater mobility of wireless LANs helps offset the performance disadvantage. Mobile computers do not need to be tied to an Ethernet cable and can roam freely within the WLAN range. It is relatively easy to set up a WAP and configure a WNIC using a wireless connection utility. Wireless networks have much less cabling which leads to a much neater working environment. You do not need to run cables across your house/office, which can create trip hazards across rooms, hallways and stairs. Also choosing to set-up a wireless network means that you do not need to run cables underneath carpets or drill holes through walls or ceilings to pass cables through.	Spread in limited area.  Effected by Weather.