Wired vs Wireless Networking - Part 3

Performance

Wireless LANs using 802.11b support a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 11 Mbps, roughly the same as that of old, traditional ethernet. 802.11a and 802.11g WLANs support 54 Mbps, that is approximately one-half the bandwidth of fast ethernet. Furthermore, Wi-Fi performance is distance sensitive, meaning that maximum performance will degrade on computers farther away from the access point or other communication endpoint. As more wireless devices utilize the WLAN more heavily, performance degrades even further.

Overall, the performance of 802.11a and 802.11g is sufficient for home Internet connection sharing and file sharing, but generally not sufficient for home LAN gaming.

The greater mobility of wireless LANs helps offset the performance disadvantage. Mobile computers do not need to be tied to an ethernet cable and can roam freely within the WLAN range. However, many home computers are larger desktop models, and even mobile computers must sometimes be tied to an electrical cord and outlet for power. This undermines the mobility advantage of WLANs in many homes.

Security

In theory, wireless LANs are less secure than wired LANs, because wireless communication signals travel through the air and can easily be intercepted. To prove their point, some engineers have promoted the practice of wardriving, that involves traveling through a residential area with Wi-Fi equipment scanning the airwaves for unprotected WLANs. On balance, though, the weaknesses of wireless security are more theoretical than practical. WLANs protect their data through the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption standard, that makes wireless communications reasonably as safe as wired ones in homes.

No computer network is completely secure and homeowners should research this topic to ensure they are aware of and comfortable with the risks. Important security considerations for homeowners tend to not be related to whether the network is wired or wireless but rather ensuring:

• the home's Internet firewall is properly configured
• the family is familiar with the danger of Internet "spoof emails" and how to recognize them
• the family is familiar with the concept of "spyware" and how to avoid it
• babysitters, housekeepers and other visitors do not have unwanted access to the network

Conclusion

You've studied the analysis and are ready to make your decision. Bottom line, then, which is better - wired or wireless? If you are very cost-conscious, need maximum performance of your home system, and don't care much about mobility, then a wired ethernet LAN is probably right for you.

If on the other hand, cost is less of an issue, you like being an early adopter of leading-edge technologies, and you are really concerned about the task of wiring your home or small business with ethernet cable, then you should certainly consider a wireless LAN.

Many of you will naturally fall somewhere in between these two extremes. If you're still undecided, consider asking friends and family about their experiences with building LANs.