Module 4 Networks
Lesson 9 An Overview of Wired Networks
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students shall be able to:
1. Define the meaning of wired and wireless network
2. Identify the difference between wired and wireless network
3. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless network
4. Distinguish between desktop application and web application
An Overview of Wired Networks
A wired network connection is described as a configuration that involves cables which establish a
connection to the Internet and other devices on the network. Data is transferred from one device to
another or over the Internet using Ethernet cables.
What Are the Advantages of Using A Wired Network?
Reliability and Stability
When configured properly wired networks provide reliability and stability. Once the hubs,
switches and Ethernet cables are installed, the end result is a workhorse system that is extremely reliable.
Although wireless connections are constantly improving, you will find that wired networks are generally
more stable and reliable.
Another reason wired networks are reliable is because the signal is not influenced by other
connections. For example, if you have wireless networks that are close to one another, one signal could
interfere with another which can compromise stability. Or, if you have walls or objects nearby, this has an
impact on a wireless connection where a wired network connection is unaffected by these factors.
Visibility
Wired networks are not visible by additional wired networks. This means there is no interference
with the connection. At the same time, the network nodes can still communicate with other nodes
(connection points) on the network to facilitate effective data transfer and storage over network routes.
The nodes are programmed to recognize and transfer data to other network nodes.
Speed
Wired networks are generally much faster than wireless networks. Data speeds have continually
improved with the inception of Gigabit routers and other new technologies. Additionally, wired networks
tend to be void of any dead spots that are occasionally present in a wireless connection. This is mainly
because a separate cable is used to connect each device to the network with each cable transmitting data
at the same speed.
A wired network is also faster since it never is weighed down by unexpected or unnecessary
traffic. Any unauthorized user is unable to connect to the network unless their device is connected using
an Ethernet cable.
Security
When configured with the necessary firewalls and other security applications, a wired network is
well protected from unauthorized access. As long as the correct ports are activated and the network is
monitored for suspicious activity, a wired connection with security technologies in place will provide your
office with the protection requirements you need to perform daily business operations.
Cost
Depending upon the configuration, the framework for a wired network can be rather inexpensive
to install. Ethernet cables, switches, routers, and other hardware is relatively cost effective. Additionally,
the lifespan of the hardware typically stands the test of time before an upgrade is needed.
What are the Disadvantages of Using A Wired Network?
Lack of Mobility
Wired networks can be inflexible in terms of mobility. In order to use your device in a different
location, it is necessary to run extra cables and switches to connect a device to the network. This may or
may not be inconvenient depending upon the mobility of your office workers and how frequently you
change your office layout.
Installation
Wired network installations can take longer to set up because more components are required to
complete the process. Depending upon the size requirement for your infrastructure, installation can be
lengthy and complex as you connect each and every device to the network, install the routers, switches,
and hubs and configure security applications and firewalls.
Maintenance
If you have a small network framework, sometimes there is no need for a server. However, once
you begin to add more devices to the network, a server is necessary to handle the connectivity, capacity,
storage and workload.
If a wired network requires a server, the maintenance could be potentially costly. Plus, you would
have to compensate an IT professional or a staff of IT professionals to oversee the maintenance and
security.
Wires
Running a wired network means dealing with a conglomeration of wires that can be unsightly and
inconvenient. Cables can present falling hazards or become inadvertently disconnected by office workers
or cleaning crews.
On the other hand, if you see the cables as the security and lifeline to your office operations, it
may not bother you to see an endless array of wiring. Additionally, the wires may serve as a reminder of
the reliability and stability of your network connection.
An Overview of Wireless Networks
Wireless networks are configurations that operate on radio frequency or microwave signals. The
radio signals allow wireless enabled devices to communicate with one another and the Internet without
having to be connected to the network via an Ethernet cable.
What are the Advantages of Using A Wireless Network?
Cost
In general, the cost of implementing a wireless network is relatively inexpensive unless your
network requires additional equipment such as wireless repeaters or a commercial grade router. Wireless
repeaters increase signal strength and a commercial grade router provides a more reliable connection and
improved security controls.
Installation
Overall, installation of a wireless network is faster and easier because it requires less equipment.
Additionally, you do not have to spend the time connecting each device to the network using Ethernet
cables.
Mobility
Wireless networks allow your office workers to be more mobile with the flexibility to access the
network from any location using any type of wireless enabled device. There are no hassles with cables
and all connectivity can be achieved without the limitations of physical cables. Plus, your office is neat and
clean as the result of the absence of wires.
What are the Disadvantages of Using A Wireless Network?
Visibility
With wireless networks, one network is visible to the other which can affect the performance of
your connection. Because the networks can see one another, the possibility of interference by other
wireless enabled devices or obstructions is higher.
Additionally, the nodes or connectivity points on a wireless network cannot hear the other nodes
on a single network. This can compromise the performance and quality of your connection.
Security
In general, wireless networks are less secure than wired networks since the communication
signals are transmitted through the air. Because the connection travels via radio wave, it can easily be
intercepted if the proper encryption technologies (WEP, WPA2) are not in place.
However, when properly secured, wireless network security is relatively safe. The encryption
technologies prevent unauthorized users from deploying scanners to identify and penetrate the network.
Speed
As a whole, wireless networks lack the data transmission speed capability of wired networks. Instead, a
wireless network is primarily dependent upon the maximum speed capability of your current
configuration. In this case, a hybrid solution is sometimes deployed with both wired and wireless
connections.
Reliability and Stability
In terms of reliability and stability, wireless networks are prone to interference by other networks,
wireless enabled devices, and objects such as walls that can obstruct the connection. Additionally, if you
are a mobile worker and you are changing locations, the strength of the signal can vary as well. Therefore,
the amount of latency you experience with a wireless network will be inconsistent when compared with
a wired network.
Desktop Application
Desktop Applications are run stand alone on the user’s laptops and systems. The term used for
these applications’ desktop differ these apps from mobile applications which is in the trend. The key
features of desktop applications are the efficiency of the application is high and also these are highly
customized as per user’s requirements and flexibility.
If you want to know what is desktop application? Let’s dive in deeper to understand its advantages
and the process of desktop application development. The applications installed on the system’s local
server known as the desktop apps, you can install it from the online websites or use the CD drive to
complete the installation process. After the installation process, it does not require any internet
connection to access, it works on the system’s local server.
Sometimes, it looks people do not contrast between desktop or web applications, although they
are different from each other. The primary difference of both are desktop apps runs on the local server of
the computer devices and web applications work over the internet remote access.
Software application development began with desktop applications, which could be used on
standalone machines only. However, with the advent of internet and online commerce, web application
development gained importance. Word processors and media players can be considered to be typical
desktop applications, while an online shopping cart on an ecommerce website can be considered as a web
application.
By definition, a desktop application means any software that can be installed on a single computer
(laptop or a desktop) and used to perform specific tasks. Some desktop applications can also be used by
multiple users in a networked environment. Web application development, however, soon started
replacing desktop applications for reasons of portability and better functions from usability point of view.
Web application development is usually made on client-server architecture and use a web-browser as the
client interface. This is one of the reasons why web applications are so widely getting popular. Though
web applications offer a slight advantage over desktop applications, there is a very narrow chance of
desktop applications becoming outdated.
The primary reason for this could be the security issues and legalities associated with web-based
applications.
Following is a basic comparison on desktop and web-based applications based on certain parameters:
Maintenance - web based applications need to be installed only once whereas desktop applications are
to be installed separately on each computer. Also updating the applications is cumbersome with desktop
applications as it needs to be done on every single computer which is not the case with web applications.
Ease of use - desktop applications are confined to a physical location and hence have usability constraint.
Web applications development on the other hand makes it convenient for the users to access the
application from any location using the Internet.
Security - web applications are exposed to more security risks than desktop applications. You can have a
total control over the standalone applications and protect it from various vulnerabilities. This may not be
the case with web applications as they are open to a large number of users in the Internet community
thus widening the threat.
Connectivity - web application development relies significantly on Internet connectivity and speed.
Absence of Internet or its poor connectivity can cause performance issues with web applications. Desktop
applications are standalone in nature and hence do not face any hindrances resulting from Internet
connectivity. Connectivity also significantly affects the speed at which desktop and web applications
operate.
Cost factor - web application development and its maintenance involve higher costs and mostly recurring
in nature. Desktop applications are purchased one time and there are not continually occurring charges.
However, in certain cases, maintenance fees may be charged.
