Wired vs Wireless Local Area Network (LAN)
May 24th, 2022
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3 mins 30 secs
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Computing
WLAN
Wired Local Area Network
Wireless Local Area Network
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SET U
A Local Area Network or LAN is a collection of interconnected devices that are all connected to the same local area network. LANs allow users to share resources and communicate with each other easily, making them an extremely convenient and efficient way to connect multiple devices.
Local Area Networks typically use wired connections, such as Ethernet cables or fiber optic cables, to connect devices to the network. However, wireless LANs (WLANs) are also becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a more convenient and flexible way to connect devices.
What is a Wired LAN?
A Wired Local Area Network (LAN) uses twisted-pair Ethernet cables instead of wireless connections.
Twisted pair cabling is a type of wiring in which two conductors of a single circuit are twisted together for the purposes of improving electromagnetic compatibility. Twisted pair reduces electromagnetic waves and crosstalk between neighboring pairs and eliminates external electromagnetic interference.
For additional noise immunity, twisted-pair cabling may be shielded. Cable with shielding is known as shielded twisted pair (STP) and without as unshielded twisted pair (UTP).
Wired LANs are often faster and more reliable than wireless LANs and are ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming or gaming.
They offer greater security than a wireless network since physical connections must be established between devices in order to access the Local Area Network.
Additionally, LANs allow users to share files and other resources across all connected devices.
Pros of Wired LAN
- Faster speeds than wireless Local Area Networks
- Allows for easy sharing of files and resources
Cons of Wired LAN
- Requires physical connection between devices
- Can be difficult to set up and configure
What is a Wireless LAN?
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a local area network (LAN) that uses wireless technology to connect devices.
WLANs allow users to connect to the LAN without the need for physical cables, making them a more convenient and flexible option than wired LANs. Wireless LANs typically use radio waves or infrared signals to communicate between devices.
WLANs are often used in homes and small businesses, as they can be easily set up and do not require the installation of physical cabling. In addition, WLANs can be extended to cover larger areas by adding additional access points.
Pros of Wireless LAN
- More convenient and flexible than wired LANs
- Easy to set up and configure
- Can be extended to cover larger areas
Cons of Wireless LAN
- Typically, slower than wired LANs
- Can be less reliable due to interference from other wireless devices
- Less secure than wired LANs
- Requires a network adapter for each device that wants to connect to the WLAN
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a Local Area Network for your home or office, wired LANs offer many advantages over wireless LANs. They are faster, more reliable, and provide greater security than WLANs.
However, WLANs do have some benefits as well, such as their convenience and flexibility.
Ultimately, the choice between wired LANs and wireless LANs will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as the size and layout of your network.
So, consider all factors carefully before making a decision, and choose wisely!
