Wired vs. Wireless LAN: Which is best for your business? (Part 1 of 2)

Wired vs. Wireless LANs

The debate of wired vs. wireless LANs has been going on for decades, and there is no clear answer as to which one is best for your business. Chances are good that a hybrid solution will best serve your needs. 

This is the first in a two-part article on the factors that should influence your decision. In it, we will discuss the differences between wired and wireless LANs.

Let's start with the basics.

What is a LAN, and what does it do?

LAN stands for Local Area Network, which, as the name implies, means it's an internal network for use within the walls of your business. It typically consists of servers and workstations that are wired together using switches or routers to share data.

The primary function of the LAN is to provide access points where multiple users can simultaneously access resources on servers. This sharing allows employees to take advantage of software licenses already purchased by their employer without buying individual copies for each user.

What is a WLAN, and how does it differ from a LAN?

WLAN is the acronym for Wireless Local Area Network, and it's a type of networking technology that provides access to the internet or other devices without cables. It uses radio waves instead.

The primary benefit of WLANs is mobility; laptops can connect from almost anywhere in your business because no wires are required. If you want flexible mobility within your building (i.e., employees can move freely between floors and offices), you will need to invest in mesh networks that help eliminate dead spots and maintain fast speeds as users roam throughout the office space.

Are WLANs and Wi-Fi the same thing?

Wi-Fi is a trademarked term only used to describe products from specific standards organizations. Wi-Fi operates at two frequencies: either 900 MHz or 2400 MHz (in North America).

WLANs refer to wireless networks in general. WLANs operate on a higher frequency than Wi-Fi does. WLANs typically run at either 54 or 60 GHz and can even use multiple bands simultaneously for faster speeds.

If you have an 802.11ac router in your home, it does not broadcast as a typical WLAN device would. The routers used by consumer-grade systems are limited to communicating with other devices within their own network protocols - they cannot communicate with WLAN devices.

This can all be confusing, but it's important to know the distinction.

Wired vs. wireless LAN: Which is best?

Wired LAN Advantages:

Wired LANs tend to be much faster, more reliable, provide better security, and deliver more bandwidth than their wireless counterparts.

• • Easier to troubleshoot - Wired LANs are typically much easier to monitor and troubleshoot.
  • Improved bandwidth - The physical cables in a wired LAN provide consistent speed and bandwidth to many devices.
  • Fewer connectivity issues - Users connecting to applications or the internet will typically experience faster page loads, fewer service drop-outs, and have an overall more positive experience.
  • Longevity - Wired tend to last longer and require less maintenance, making them a sound long-term investment.

Wired LAN Disadvantages:

While wired LANs have many performance advantages, they are not without downsides.

• • Installation cost - Since devices on wired LANs require a physical connection to the router with an Ethernet cable, the cost of installing cabling to every connected device location can quickly burn through your budget.
  • Device limits - The number of devices connected to a wired LAN is limited to the number of available ports on your network switch.

Wireless/WLAN Advantages:

If you prefer mobility over speed or you are looking for a lower-cost initial investment, wireless may be the better option for your business needs to get you up and running quickly.

• • Lower installation cost - WLANs can be much less expensive to install. Ethernet cabling only needs to be run to the wireless access points (WAP), not every device on the network.
  • Mobility - There is no comparison between wired and wireless networks when it comes to flexibility and convenience. A properly designed WLAN can efficiently serve an entire office building, being simultaneously accessed by tablets or computers in meeting rooms at any floor level as well as on outside patios during lunch breaks.
  • Fewer wires - Wireless networks don't require ethernet cables connected to each device on the network, meaning fewer cables cluttering your office.
  • Flexibility - WLANs give employees the ability to move about your facility with their devices. If two people start to share an office, no additional cabling is required.
  • Scalability - With so many wireless solutions on the market now (wireless security, system control, business devices), adding new technology requires less installed infrastructure. Providing network access to a growing workforce is a simple and inexpensive process.

Wireless/WLAN Disadvantages:

There are also disadvantages to wireless/WLAN that should be considered.

• • Signal interference - Wireless signals can be susceptible to interference from items that generate RF interference like cordless phones, microwaves, and other devices operating on or near the same frequency as your wireless access points. This can cause a drop in speed and signal continuity.
  • Coverage - Wireless connections can be interrupted by too many walls, metal structures, or too many devices using the WLAN simultaneously. Wireless network signal strength also weakens the further you are from the wireless access points.
  • Security vulnerability - Wireless networks have security vulnerabilities that wired LANs do not experience. Nearby hackers can potentially intercept your data by connecting through wireless access points. This can put sensitive data and your business at risk. It is crucial to secure wireless networks with strong passwords and encryption.
  • Efficiency - WLANs are not as efficient as wired connections because they require more energy to send signals over longer distances. Wired connections transfer information faster, which means that people who connect wirelessly will be waiting longer for their downloads and internet pages to load.
  • Device charging - Not all wireless devices are battery-operated, but many are. You will need to consider battery life for the devices that you connect to your WLAN. Will they last all day without needing to be recharged?
  • Maintenance - Wireless networks have a higher rate of signal failure than wired networks. Troubleshooting wireless connection issues can be a bit more complicated since many more factors can come into play.

In Part 2 of this series, we'll discuss how WLANs are distributed throughout a building and the security considerations that need to be accounted for.