Wireless and wired networks
wiredA connection that needs wires or cables to transmit data. networks are identified by their use of physical wiring to connect devices. They are most often used for office networks or for devices that are unlikely to move as the cables limit the ability to move away from the connection point.
Wireless networks use radio waves to carry signals. These signals are limited in range - usually up to 50 metres - but are subject to interference. They can also be blocked by walls. However, they are ideal for mobile devices as a device can connect to a network as long as it is in the range of a wireless access point (WAP).
| Wired networks | Wireless networks | |
| Cost | Installation costs can be expensive | Cheaper to set up, devices can connect if in the range of a wireless access point |
| Installation | Installation requires technical knowledge and space to install cables | Installation is simple as most wireless devices will connect automatically |
| Maximum transmission speed | Up to 1 gigabit per second for Ethernet | Up to 50 megabits per second |
| Maximum distance for reliable communication | Up to 100 metres for Ethernet - over 2 kilometres for fibre optic | Up to 50 metres |
| Security of connection | More secure as a physical connection is required to intercept data | Less secure as wireless signal cannot be contained within a building and no physical connection is needed to intercept data |
| Cost | |
| Wired networks | Installation costs can be expensive |
| Wireless networks | Cheaper to set up, devices can connect if in the range of a wireless access point |
| Installation | |
| Wired networks | Installation requires technical knowledge and space to install cables |
| Wireless networks | Installation is simple as most wireless devices will connect automatically |
| Maximum transmission speed | |
| Wired networks | Up to 1 gigabit per second for Ethernet |
| Wireless networks | Up to 50 megabits per second |
| Maximum distance for reliable communication | |
| Wired networks | Up to 100 metres for Ethernet - over 2 kilometres for fibre optic |
| Wireless networks | Up to 50 metres |
| Security of connection | |
| Wired networks | More secure as a physical connection is required to intercept data |
| Wireless networks | Less secure as wireless signal cannot be contained within a building and no physical connection is needed to intercept data |
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a form of wireless communication that enables different devices to connect. It works like a small private network between two devices, allowing them to share data and documents.
Many modern devices incorporate Bluetooth. It is often used to connect wireless devices such as:
- a keyboard or a mouse to a computer
- a speaker to a smartphone
- a smartphone to a car's multimedia system
Bluetooth provides a simple way of connecting devices. However, it is limited in transmission speed and range. Transmission speed is often only up to 2 megabits per second.