Wireless Network Advantages and Disadvantages: In our everyday life, we frequently come across and even use a wireless network. Mobile phones, tabs, laptops, etc., are all wireless networking devices that we use. The wireless network is quite popular across the world, and its usage is increasing day by day. Wireless network technology is efficient and also is cost-effective. With each fleeting day, it is becoming a handy tool for the mobile workforce.

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Advantages of Wireless Networks

• Accessibility: : Wireless networks do not require any wires or cables, and hence the users can communicate even when they are moving. It allows users to roam around without getting disconnected. As a result, there is a productivity improvement.
• Easy installation: Installing a wireless network is faster and easier compared to a wired network. It also reduces the usage of cables that are difficult to set up and imposes the risk of safety since the user can trip on the wires and fall. If users want to change the network, they have to update the wireless network to meet the new configurations.
• Wider reach: Wireless networks have [1] a wider reach than wired networks. They can be easily extended to places where wires and cables are not accessible.
• Flexibility: Setting up a wireless network helps the user to do work from home easily. Due to this network, users can work more productively and also have accessibility to customer data.
• Efficiency: Wireless networks allow improved and better communication of data. With a wireless network, the transfer of information between users is much faster.
• Cost-effective: Wireless networks are cost-effective since they are cheaper and easier to install. Even though their initial investment is high, with time, the overall expenses become lower.

It provides clutter-free desks due to the absence of wires and cables.

Accessing network devices from any location within the network coverage or Wi-Fi hotspot becomes convenient since laying out cables is not needed.

Installation and setup of wireless networks are easier.

New devices can be easily connected to the existing setup since they needn’t be wired to the present equipment. Also, the number of equipment that can be added or removed to the system can vary considerably [5] since they are not limited by the cable capacity. This makes wireless networks very scalable figure1.

Wireless networks require very limited or no wires. Thus, it reduces the equipment and setup costs.

Figure1: Advantages of wireless network.

Disadvantages of Wireless Network

• Security: Security is a big issue while using wireless networks. If a wireless network is not installed correctly or maintained correctly, it may cause severe security threats. Connecting physical components such as wires is not required by a wireless network. They only need a wireless adapter which automatically increases the risk of hacking since hackers can have easy accessibility of the network. If there is password protection for the network, then situations may take a turn for the worse.
• Limited bandwidth: Wireless networks cannot support VTC or Video Teleconferencing since they have minimal bandwidth. It also has limited expandability since there is an absence of a wireless spectrum for occupying. The bandwidth can also get stolen by neighbors if the network is not password protected.
• Speed: The speed of the wireless network is slower than the speed of wired networks. Transferring or sharing files [3] is much slower in a wireless network. The speed also depends on the location of the user concerning the network. The farther the user is from the network, the worse the connection becomes. This is a huge problem for large spaces or buildings.
• Cost: Wireless networks are usually inexpensive, but the cost of installation is very high. Setting up a wireless network is very costly, and sometimes there are extra costs along with it. A wireless network may require the setting up of specific equipment, which can be costly.
• Prone to interference: Due to external factors like dust storms or fog, there are high chances of interference and jamming in wireless networks. Wireless networks are highly prone to interference; therefore, fog, radiation, radio signals, or any similar interference may cause a malfunction in a wireless network. Again, when there are too many users in the same area, the air band using which the signals are transmitted can get overloaded.
• Coverage: The coverage area of a wireless network is minimal. A typical wireless router allows users within the range [4] of 150 to 300 feet to use the network.
• Requires basic computer knowledge: Setting up a wireless network requires minimum knowledge of computers. People who are inexperienced in the computer field may face trouble installing a wireless network. There is a high risk of security, and hackers can easily hack those networks figure2.

Figure2: Disadvantages of wireless network.

Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Network

Advantages	Disadvantages
The wireless network does not require any cable or wires, and hence communication is possible even when the user is moving.	The range of a wireless network is minimal, and it causes problems for many users.
Wireless networks can be easily extended to places where wires and cables are not accessible.	People who are inexperienced in the computer field may face trouble installing a wireless network.
Installing a wireless network is easier and faster.	The wireless network is very prone to interference, and hence, fog and radiation can cause it to malfunction.
Wireless networks require a one-time investment and, hence, are cheaper.	The cost of installing a wireless network is prohibitive.
Improved and better communication is available if one is using the wireless network.	The wireless network has minimal bandwidth.

References:

1. Whats is meant by wireless network and its advantages and disadvantages? Reterived may2020 from itswww.aplustopper.com/wireless-network-advantages-and-disadvantages/
2. www.abcomllc.com/blog/5-advantages-of-wireless-networks
3. https://www.aplustopper.com/wireless-network-advantages-and-disadvantages
4. https://www.cisco.com/resource-center/networking/why-go-wireless.html
5. https://www.businesstechweekly.com/operational-efficiency/wireless

Cite this article:

Nandhinidwaraka.S (2021), Wireless Network: Advantages and Disadvantages, AnaTechmaz, pp. 7