Here are a few points to check before deciding on which of the networks – wired or wireless – you want to install in your home.
Advantages of wired networks
A wired network is easier to install and configure.
Although there are many wired connections to be made, a wired network turns out to be cheaper than a wireless network.
The wired network involves the installation and use of ethernet cards, routers, switches, PCs etc.
The speed of wired network is faster as compared to the wireless network.
There are less problems of security as the data circulates within the wires and does not spread out into the neighborhood.
It is easier to repair wired network problems
Disadvantages of wired networks
A wired network creates wire jungles. This gives the entire home a cluttered look.
It is not at all mobile. Once the PCs, even the laptops are networked, they cannot be moved from place to place.
Advantages of wireless networks
The wireless network is neat and clean and has less cluttered looks than the wired networks because no wire jungles are created.
The data is carried over radio signals rather than the wires.
A wireless network works fine with the laptop PCs as these laptop pcs can be carried anywhere in the house and still remain connected to the network.
If your network consists of more number of laptops it would be advantageous to go in for the wireless network.
A wirelss network requires the installation of wireless routers, wireless ethernet cards etc.
Disadvantages of wirelss networks
A wireless network is a little difficult to install and is costlier as compared to the wired network.
You will have to shell out more money on building a wireless network than on a wired network.
The wireless network is slow as compared to the wired network.
Wireless network requires additional security measures as the data is carried over radio signals that spread out well beyond the home.
Once you have set up your wired or wireless network, you want to get connected to the network. It’s a pretty simple job. Just open your network connections in your operating system, the windows xp or windows 7, click on the network icon and get connected.
Here is a video that shows you how to get connected to the wireless secured network from your desktop or laptop Pc.