Ethernet refers to a collection of protocols widely used in LANs. It describes to devices how they should formatdata for transmission. It normally uses twisted copper cables - CAT 5 or CAT 6 but can also use fibre optic cables.
Wireless networking:
How wireless networks function resolves around how WAPs work - radio waves converted to electrical signals and vice versa
Wireless networking: Bluetooth:
Usually a direct connection between two devices so that data can be shared
Connection range varies, typically only 10m
Low bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi
Often used in mobile/ wearable devices - smartphones, headphones, etc.
Wireless networking: Wi-Fi:
Can be used by multiple devices to connect to a LAN at the same time
Connections have a range between 40 and 100m
High bandwidth compared to Bluetooth
Often used in the home - routers, desktops, smartphones, etc.
Need a WAP and devices need a wireless NIC to connect, which is often built in, but you can use a USB or HDMI dongle
Wireless connection:
Benefits:
More convenient - you can move around while still being connected
Cheaper as you need fewerwires
Drawbacks:
Criminal activity - unauthorised user can hack into a network and cause damage
Bandwidth stealing - "Outside" users can slow the network though excessive usage, e.g. downloading software or streaming
Confidentiality - Some wireless networks are quite open and use un-encrypted transmissions giving intruders full visibility to data being sent
Wired connection:
Benefits:
Faster transmission speed
Reliable for further
More secure as physical connection is required to intercept data