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
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 –
| PARAMETER | WIRED | WIRELESS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Low | High |
| Reliability | High | Lower 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
