Choosing cable or wireless

Local area networks (LANs) were traditionally implemented using cabling. However, wireless LANs have become easier and often cheaper to create and maintain and are now providing flexible networking options for many businesses.

As with most technology solutions there are pros and cons for both approaches.Wireless networking frees the user from being physically attached to a network. It also offers much greater flexibility and mobility - office-based wireless workers can be networked without sitting at dedicated computers, and can continue to work while off-site.

In most cases a wireless network costs less to install and maintain than a cabled network. It eliminates cabling, so you don't need to drill holes through walls and floors to lay cables, and you don't need to rewire the office if, for instance, a department moves.Occasional difficulties with signal quality may be experienced with wireless networks - for example where neighbours in the same building use the same wireless channels, or where other sources of radio interference are present. In addition, it can be difficult to get consistent coverage in some buildings, leading to "black spots" where no signal is available.


Wireless networks are generally slower than cabled networks, and so in larger wireless networks the "backbone" network will usually be cabled.Keeping wireless networks secure can be difficult. They are more vulnerable to attack than traditional cabled networks, as wireless transmissions can be intercepted. See our guide on securing your wireless systems