Wireless networks

From Computer Science Wiki
Networks[1]

A wireless local-area network (LAN) uses radio waves to connect devices such as laptops to the Internet and to your business network and its applications. When you connect a laptop to a WiFi hotspot at a cafe, hotel, airport lounge, or other public place, you're connecting to that business's wireless network.[2].

Advantages of wireless networks[edit]

The text below is used with gratitude from Cisco Systems [3]

  1. Convenience. Access your network resources from any location within your wireless network's coverage area or from any WiFi hotspot.
  2. Mobility. You're no longer tied to your desk, as you were with a wired connection. You and your employees can go online in conference room meetings, for example.
  3. Productivity. Wireless access to the Internet and to your company's key applications and resources helps your staff get the job done and encourages collaboration.
  4. Easy setup. You don't have to string cables, so installation can be quick and cost-effective.
  5. Expandable. You can easily expand wireless networks with existing equipment, while a wired network might require additional wiring.
  6. Security. Advances in wireless networks provide robust security protections.
  7. Cost. Because wireless networks eliminate or reduce wiring costs, they can cost less to operate than wired networks.

Disadvantages of wireless networks[edit]

I use the edited list below with gratitude from turbofuture[4]

  1. It can require extra costs and equipment to set up
  2. File-sharing transfer speeds are normally slower with wireless networks than they are with cabled. The speeds can also vary considerably according to your location in relation to the network.
  3. The general speed of a wireless connection is also usually much slower than a wired one. The connection also gets worse the farther you are from the router, which can be a problem in a large building or space.
  4. Wireless connections can be obstructed by everyday household items and structures such as walls, ceilings, and furniture.
  5. Wireless networks are generally less secure (this depends on the competence of
  6. If an access point fails, and there isn't a good mesh setup, the cost of failure could be high.

Standards[edit]

  • Outline the advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks.
  • Describe the hardware and software components of a wireless network.
  • Describe the characteristics of wireless networks.

References[edit]