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There are two basic ways that your network can be connected to exchange information — either “wired” using Ethernet cables or “wirelessly” using radio waves, also known as “Wi-Fi.” Many people use a combination of wired and wireless technology to meet all of their networking needs.
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The simplest and most direct network connection, a wired network connects your computer to your router with an Ethernet cable. Wired networks are highly reliable, very secure, extremely fast and easy to set up.
Every networked device has a standard Ethernet jack and is ready to go for wired networking. In fact, some devices can only connect via wired network.
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Wireless routing lets notebook PCs, tablet PCs and other Wi-Fi enabled devices connect to each other and the Internet wirelessly, giving you the freedom to hop on the network just about anywhere around your home.
To set up a wireless network, you'll need a wireless router and wireless-enabled computers. All new Dell notebooks come with a wireless adapter pre-installed from the factory.
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- Can be inexpensive
- Best option if your home is already pre-wired with Ethernet cable or for equipment that is close to the router
- Provides higher bandwidth
- More reliable, not as vulnerable to interference and fluctuations in bandwidth as wireless
- Less vulnerable to intrusions and eavesdropping
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- Access the network from around the house
- No need to buy extra cables
- Set up does not require additional wiring or installations
- Peripherals don’t need to be near the computer
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- Lack of mobility — your devices are tethered, and you can’t move devices through the house
- Cables can be cumbersome or messy if not hidden in walls or behind baseboards
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- Not always as reliable as wired networks — can suffer signal problems or bandwidth fluctuations
- Need to enable the security features within your wireless devices
- Subject to possible radio interference
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- Many high-bandwidth or constantly on connections
- Homes that are already pre-wired with Ethernet cable (you can add wireless to extend your network and provide mobility)
- Equipment that is co-located in the same area
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- Notebook users
- Mobile devices and other wireless devices
- If your home is not pre-wired with Ethernet cable
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Draw Your Own Conclusions
Wired and wireless are both great ways to network. Which works best for you comes down to your specific situation and needs. And the best network plan for you may very well involve a combination of both. | |
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