Wired (Ethernet) Networks
Wired (Ethernet) networks are chosen, as most office buildings are built with structured Cat5 (Ethernet) cabling built into the floors, walls and ceilings. The advantages of choosing an Ethernet network are:
Faster
Whilst wireless networking speeds are suitable for home users and most business users, some business network users who download and transfer high quantities of data may require Gigabit networking speeds - up to 1000 Mbps.
Reliable
Physical, fixed wired Ethernet connections are not prone to interference and fluctuations in available bandwidth, which can affect some wireless networking connections.
Secure
Ethernet networks are very secure, predominantly due to their physical nature - no one can utilise your network connectivity or monitor your traffic unless they are also physically connected to the network. Firewalls built into Routers prevent intruders accessing your organisation's network. Wireless networks can be made secure, but devices have to be configured to protect your network.
Wireless Networks
Whilst Ethernet networks are still the natural choice for offices with existing networks or organisations moving into buildings with structured Cat-5 cabling, business wireless networks are growing in popularity, particularly in these environments:
- Green field sites - new office network, save on installation costs
- Offices without structured cabling - avoid trailing wires everywhere
- Home workers - connecting to the head office via VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Extending an existing Ethernet network to places that cabling is not provided to or cannot reach, e.g. conference rooms, refreshments areas.
The advantages of setting up wireless networking in these environments are:
Portable & Flexible
Remote staff visiting the office can instantly log in to the office network without needing to locate a spare Ethernet cable and port to plug it into. Wireless networking enables staff to work from any desk or room in the building. Wireless networking also gives employees the freedom to move around the office, i.e. remain connected in meeting rooms.
Cost Effective
Purchasing and installing structured Ethernet cabling into offices can be a costly exercise. Setting up a wireless office network can cost significantly less, as the only items to purchase are the networking devices themselves.
Neat & Safe
Running cables across a building that does not have structured cabling runs in walls and ceilings can be a hazard as there is nowhere to hide the wires. Choosing to set-up a wireless business network eliminates the need for unsightly cables to be trailed across the office.
Secure
If set up correctly using the numerous security protocols available with wireless networking devices, wireless networks can be extremely secure. Wireless connectivity can be password protected, limited to designated computers using the machines MAC address and firewalls built into Wireless Routers prevent intruders accessing your organisation's network.
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