Wired vs wireless networks

• Ethernet

  • Wired network
• Twisted pair

  • Copper wires twisted together, reducing internal interference
• Coaxial

  • Single copper wires twisted together surrounded by plastic insulation + metallic mesh to shield outside interference
  • Higher bandwidth than twisted pair
• Fibre optic

  • Transmits data as light
  • Sends data over long distances + little interference
  • Higher performance + expensive
  • Greater bandwidth than copper
• • Wired connections faster + more reliable than wireless
• • Wired connections are more secure and have a greater bandwidth than wireless connections
• Wireless networks

  • Radio waves transmit data between devices on network
  • Less bandwidth
  • Security more of a concern
  • slower than wired connections
• Bluetooth

  • Direct connection between 2 devices to share data
  • Max range: 10 metres
  • Low bandwidth
• WiFi

  • Can connect multiple devices to LAN at once
  • High bandwidth
  • Max range: 40-100 metres