Difference between Wired and Wireless Network

Rashmi Bhardwaj | Blog,BUZZ,Wireless
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Wired Network –

In the networking world, “Wired” as the name suggests refers to any physical medium connected through wires and cables. The wires/cables can be copper wire, twisted pair or even fibre optic. Wired connectivity is responsible for providing high security with high Bandwidth provisioned for each user.

In fact, Wired connectivity is considered highly reliable and incurs very low delay, unlike Wireless connectivity.

Related – Common Wireless Networking terms and concepts

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Wireless Network –

Wireless” as the term refers, uses air as a medium to send electromagnetic waves or infrared waves. Wireless devices have antennas for communication. Wireless connectivity provides a major benefit of user mobility and ease of deployment. Wireless becomes more useful in areas where Wires can’t be reached.

Related – Ad Hoc Wireless Network & Its Types

Though wireless connectivity is less secured and higher delay than wired connectivity, it is still preferred communication technology for customers. Wireless also earns low Installation cost in contrast to wired connectivity.

What is Difference b/w Wired & Wireless Network?

The following table denotes & explain the difference in both wired and wireless network –

PARAMETERWIREDWIRELESS
Communication Medium
Copper, Fiber etc.
Air
Standard
IEEE 802.3
802.11 family
Mobility and Roaming
Limited
Higher
Security
High
Lower than Wired. Also easy to hack
Speed / Bandwidth
High Speed upto 1 Gbps
Lower speed than Wired Network.
Access to Network
Physical Access Required
Proximity Required
Delay
LowHigh
Reliability
HighLower than Wired
Flexibility to change
Less flexible to changes
More flexible configuration
Working principle
CSMA/CD, operates by detecting the occurrence of a collision.
CSMA/CA , hence reduces possibility of collision be avoiding collision from happening
Interference and Fluctuations vulnerability
Very Less
High
Installation activity
Cumbersome and manpower intensive
Less labor intensive and easy
Installation Time
Takes longer time to perform
Very less deployment time
Dedicated / Shared Connection
Dedicated
Shared
Installation Cost
High
Low
Maintenance (Upgrade) cost
High
Low
Related equipment
Router, Switch , Hub
Wireless Router, Access Point
Benefits
* Greater Speed
* Higher noise immunity
* Highly reliable
* Greater Security
* No Hassles of Cable
* Best for mobile devices
* Greater mobility
* Easy installation and management

Download the difference table: wired and wireless

Please refer the downloadable PDF format comparison table.

You can also watch related video for better understanding:

Continue Reading:

Networking Scenario Based Interview Questions

Wireless Interview Questions

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