Wireless vs. wired Network: an usual dilemma SMBs still face in 2024.
Choosing the right network infrastructure is crucial for everything from productivity and collaboration to security and, of course, that all-important bottom line.
But with technology constantly evolving, what’s the best path forward for your business?
This article dives into the heart of the wireless vs. wired debate, arming you with the knowledge you need to make a smart, strategic decision.
Wireless vs. Wired Networks: What’s the Difference (and Why Should I Care)?
In the simplest terms, wireless networks use radio waves to connect devices to the internet, while wired networks use physical cables like ethernet cords.
Think of it like this: wireless is like having a conversation on your cell phone – convenient and flexible, but sometimes prone to interference.
Wired, on the other hand, is like having a chat over a landline – reliable and secure, but you’re tethered to a specific location.
But why should you care about the difference?
Because the type of network you choose can significantly impact your business’s performance, security, and bottom line.
Whether you’re a small start-up or a large corporation, understanding the pros and cons of each option is crucial for making informed decisions about your IT infrastructure.
Summarized Benefits of Wi-Fi for Businesses
In today’s mobile-first world, convenience is king. And that’s where wireless networks truly shine. Wi-Fi offers businesses a level of flexibility and scalability that traditional wired networks simply can’t match.
According to a recent survey, a whopping 72% of respondents preferred wireless networks over wired networks due to their flexibility and mobility. However, that same survey revealed that 55% of respondents expressed concerns over the security vulnerabilities associated with wireless networks But we’ll talk about that later on.
In the meantime, just take some time to imagine this: you’re hosting a big meeting, and everyone needs to connect their laptops, tablets, and even smartphones to the network. With wireless, it’s as easy as pie! No need for messy cables or hunting down ethernet ports – employees and guests can connect from anywhere in the office, boosting productivity and collaboration.
Plus, wireless networks are incredibly scalable. Need to accommodate more users or devices? No problem!
Adding new access points is a breeze, allowing your network to grow right alongside your business.
This flexibility makes Wi-Fi a particularly attractive option for businesses with dynamic workspaces or frequent changes in their IT needs.
Summarized Advantages of Wired Networks
While wireless networks offer undeniable convenience, wired networks still hold their own – and in some cases, they’re the clear winner.
One of the biggest advantages of wired networks is their raw speed and performance. With fiber optic cables, in particular, you can achieve lightning-fast data transfer rates that leave Wi-Fi in the dust.
This is crucial for businesses that rely on bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing, cloud computing, or large file transfers.
But speed isn’t everything. Security is another area where wired networks have a significant edge.
Because wired connections are physically isolated, they’re much more difficult for hackers to infiltrate.
This is especially important for businesses that handle sensitive data, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
Comparing Wireless and Wired Network Security Risks
Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be that business – you know, the one that makes headlines for a data breach. And in today’s digital world, choosing between a wireless and wired network can feel like choosing between locking your front door or leaving it wide open. Which one sounds riskier?
Of course, we know it’s not quite that simple.
But the truth is, wired networks have a built-in security advantage simply because they’re, well, wired.
Wireless networks, on the other hand, rely on radio waves, which can travel… well, everywhere.
That means a savvy cybercriminal sitting in a parking lot could potentially intercept your data if your network isn’t properly secured. Suddenly, investing in a robust cybersecurity strategy from a company like LayerLogix seems like a pretty smart move, right?
Now, before you rip out all the Wi-Fi routers in your office, it’s important to remember that even wireless networks can be incredibly secure when configured correctly.
Strong passwords, network segmentation, and regular security audits can significantly reduce your risk.
Cost Comparison: Wireless vs. Wired Networks
When it comes to choosing between wireless and wired networks, cost is often a major deciding factor for businesses. And while it might seem like Wi-Fi is the obvious winner (who doesn’t love free Wi-Fi?!), the reality is a bit more nuanced.
On the surface, setting up a wireless network can appear more cost-effective.
After all, you don’t need to run expensive ethernet cables throughout your building. But don’t let that fool you!
The costs of wireless can quickly add up when you factor in:
Wireless Networks Costs
Wired Networks Costs
Access Points: Depending on the size and layout of your office, you’ll likely need multiple access points for optimal coverage, which can get pricey.
Lower Maintenance: Once those cables are in place, they tend to work like a charm – no need for constant fiddling or troubleshooting!
Maintenance: Wireless networks often require more frequent maintenance and troubleshooting than wired networks. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend their day rebooting routers!
Reduced Downtime: Remember those annoying Wi-Fi outages that seem to happen at the worst possible moment? Wired networks are far less susceptible to interference, which means fewer disruptions to your workflow.
Ultimately, the most cost-effective network solution for your business will depend on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals.
Finding the Perfect Fit of Wireless & Wired Networks for Specific Industries
Just like a good suit, the right network solution should be tailored to fit your business’s unique needs.
And those needs can vary drastically depending on your industry, size, and long-term goals.
Let’s take a look at how different industries can benefit from a customized approach to wireless and wired networking:
Healthcare: In the healthcare industry, where data security and patient privacy are paramount, a hybrid network is often the best choice. A robust wired network can ensure HIPAA compliance for sensitive medical records, while Wi-Fi provides convenient connectivity for staff and patients in waiting areas and other common spaces.
Finance: Financial institutions handle highly sensitive financial data, making security a top priority. A wired network with strong encryption protocols is crucial for protecting against data breaches and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Wireless access might be limited to specific areas or guest networks.
Education: Schools and universities need to provide reliable internet access to a large number of students and staff, often across multiple buildings and campuses. A hybrid network with strategic Wi-Fi coverage and wired connections in computer labs and administrative offices can create a seamless and secure learning environment.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing facilities often rely on real-time data collection and analysis to optimize production processes. A wired network with high bandwidth and low latency is essential for supporting these critical applications, while Wi-Fi can provide connectivity for mobile devices used on the factory floor.
No matter your industry, LayerLogix has the expertise and experience to help you design, implement, and manage a network solution that aligns perfectly with your business objectives.
Ready to take your network to the next level?
Contact LayerLogix today for a free consultation!
Why do computers always know what time it is? How do they agree at the same time? Network Time Protocol (NTP) is responsible for that.
Developed in 1981 by David L. Mills of the University of Delaware, this protocol is mostly used for synchronizing clocks of computer systems over networks with variable latency.
But not only that. There’s more to the Network Time Protocol or NTP for short.
Network Time Protocol TL;DR Takeaway
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol for synchronizing clocks of computer systems over networks with variable latency.
The NTP provides accuracy, reliability, compatibility, and simplicity for network time synchronization.
It will evolve in 2023 with new features, alternatives, and technologies.
What is Network Time Protocol (NTP) and How Does It Work?
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol for synchronizing clocks of computer systems over networks with variable latency. NTP uses a hierarchical structure of time servers and clients to distribute accurate time information across the network.
NTP consists of four main components:
Reference clocks: These are highly accurate and stable clocks that provide the source of time for NTP. They can be atomic clocks, GPS receivers, radio clocks, or other devices that can generate precise time signals.
Primary servers: These are servers that are directly connected to reference clocks and provide timely information to other servers and clients. They are also called stratum 1 servers, as they are at the top level of the NTP hierarchy.
Secondary servers: These are servers that are synchronized with primary servers or other secondary servers and provide timely information to other servers and clients. They are also called stratum 2, 3, 4, “and so on” servers, depending on their distance from the reference clocks.
Clients: These are devices or programs that request and receive timely information from servers and adjust their clocks accordingly. They can be computers, routers, switches, printers, cameras, etc.
The Network Time Protocol uses a request-response communication pattern between clients and servers. A client sends a request packet to a server, containing its timestamp.
The server receives the request packet and adds its timestamp. Then sends a response packet back to the client, containing both timestamps.
The client receives the response packet and adds its timestamp again.
Using these four timestamps, the client can calculate two important values:
Offset: This is the difference between the client’s clock and the server’s clock. The client can use this value to adjust its clock to match the server’s clock.
Delay: This is the round-trip time between the client and the server. The client can use this value to estimate the network latency and accuracy of the synchronization.
The Network Time Protocol uses an algorithm called Marzullo’s algorithm to select the most accurate time server from multiple sources. It can also use an extension mechanism called Autokey to provide authentication and encryption for secure communication.
Source: Photo by Luke van Zyl on Unsplash
What are the Benefits and Challenges of Network Time Protocol (NTP)?
Network Time Protocol (NTP) has many benefits and challenges for network users and administrators. Some of the benefits are:
Accuracy: NTP can synchronize clocks of computer systems to within a few milliseconds of UTC, which is sufficient for most applications and purposes.
Reliability: NTP can handle network failures, congestion, or delays by using multiple time sources and fallback mechanisms.
Compatibility: NTP is compatible with various operating systems, devices, and applications that use or depend on accurate time information.
Simplicity: NTP is easy to install, configure, and use for most users and administrators.
Some of the challenges are:
Security: NTP can be vulnerable to various attacks, such as denial-of-service, spoofing, or man-in-the-middle, that can disrupt or manipulate the time synchronization process.
Scalability: NTP can face scalability issues as the number of clients and servers increases, resulting in increased network traffic and load on the servers.
Precision: NTP can have limitations in achieving higher levels of precision, such as microseconds or nanoseconds, that may be required for some applications or purposes.
How Will the NTP Evolve in 2023?
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and threats of network time synchronization. Some of the possible trends and developments for NTP in 2023 are:
NTPv5: This is the next version of NTP that is currently under development by the NTP Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
NTPv5 aims to improve the security, performance, and interoperability of NTP. Some of the proposed features of NTPv5 are:
A new packet format that supports more extension fields and options.
A new security mechanism that uses public-key cryptography and certificates.
A new algorithm that uses network tomography to estimate the network delay distribution.
A new mode that uses multicast or anycast to reduce the number of servers and clients.
PTP: This is an alternative protocol to NTP that is designed for high-precision time synchronization. PTP stands for Precision Time Protocol and is defined by IEEE 1588 standard.
PTP can synchronize clocks of computer systems to within a few nanoseconds of UTC, which is suitable for applications such as industrial automation, financial transactions, or scientific experiments.
PTP uses a master-slave communication pattern between devices and requires dedicated hardware support for accurate timestamping.
TSN: This is an emerging technology that combines time synchronization with network quality-of-service.
TSN stands for Time-Sensitive Networking and is defined by IEEE 802.1 standards.
TSN can provide deterministic and low-latency communication for applications such as audio/video streaming, automotive control, or smart grid.
TSN uses a combination of protocols, such as PTP, IEEE 802.1Qbv, IEEE 802.1Qci, etc., to achieve time synchronization and traffic shaping.
Client-Server Network TL;DR Takeaway
A client-server network is a network model that divides the tasks between clients and servers.
A client-server network provides security, scalability, and reliability for the network.
A client-server network differs from other network models such as peer-to-peer networks.
Have you ever wondered how web browsers can access web pages from different websites? Or how email clients send and receive messages from different email servers? That’s all thanks to Client-server networks.
The Client-server network is one of the most popular and widely used network models in the world.
It enables many users to share and access resources and applications on the network.
It also provides security, scalability, and reliability for the network.
Want to know more about it? Then keep reading, because we’ll answer further questions.
What is Client-Server Network and How Does It Work?
A Client-server network is a network model that partitions the tasks or workloads between the providers of a resource or service, called servers, and the requesters of a resource or service, called clients.
Clients and servers can be separate hardware devices or software programs.
Clients and servers do also communicate over a network using a common protocol.
A protocol is a set of rules and formats that define how data is exchanged between devices or programs.
For example, HTTP is a protocol that defines how web browsers and web servers communicate.
Clients initiate communication sessions with servers, which wait for incoming requests.
Clients send requests to servers, and servers send responses back to clients.
This exchange of messages is an example of a request-response communication pattern.
For example, when you type a web address in your browser, your browser sends a request to the web server that hosts the website, and the web server sends back the web page as a response.
Clients and servers can perform different functions depending on the type of service they provide or request. Some of the common types of client-server services are:
Web service: A web service allows clients to access web pages and other web resources on the internet. A web browser is a client program that requests and displays web pages from a web server program.
Email service: An email service allows clients to send and receive electronic messages over the Internet. An email client is a client program that sends and receives email messages from an email server program.
File service: A file service allows clients to store and retrieve files on a remote server. A file client is a client program that uploads and downloads files from a file server program.
Database service: A database service allows clients to query and manipulate data stored on a remote server. A database client is a client program that sends queries and commands to a database server program.
Source: Photo by Kelvin Ang on Unsplash
Client-Server Network Advantages & Disadvantages
Client-server network has many advantages and disadvantages compared to other network models.
For example, it provides better Security, Scalability, and Reliability than other network models because servers can actually access resources and applications on the network, as well as handle multiple requests from multiple clients, and backup data to recover from failures. But it also has disadvantages, such as:
Cost: Client-server network requires more cost than other network models because servers need more hardware, software, maintenance, and administration than clients.
Complexity: Client-server network requires more complexity than other network models because servers need more configuration, coordination, and management than clients.
Dependency: Client-server network creates more dependency than other network models because clients rely on servers for services and resources. If servers fail or become unavailable, clients cannot access the services or resources they need.
Personal Area Network TL;DR Takeaway
Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network model that connects electronic devices within a user’s immediate area.
Personal Area Network (PAN) provides convenience, mobility, and security for network users.
Personal Area Network (PAN) will evolve in 2023 with new technologies, such as IoT, 5G, and wearables.
Do you know how do wireless devices interact with each other? This is all thanks to Personal Area Networks or PAN for short.
But let’s not spoil this article for you. Keep reading to find out more about them and how they function.
What is Personal Area Network (PAN) and How Does It Work?
Personal Area Network (PAN) is a network model that connects electronic devices within a user’s immediate area. PAN can be used for various purposes, such as:
Data transfer: PAN can transfer data among devices, such as files, photos, videos, and contacts.
Device control: PAN can control devices remotely, such as adjusting the volume of speakers, turning on/off lights, and locking/unlocking doors.
Device pairing: PAN can pair devices together, such as connecting a headset to a phone, a keyboard to a tablet, and a mouse to a laptop.
Device synchronization: PAN can synchronize data and applications among devices, such as calendars, emails, messages, and fitness data.
A protocol is a set of rules and formats that define how data is exchanged between devices or programs.
For example, Bluetooth is a protocol that defines how wireless devices communicate.
Therefore, PAN consists of two main components:
Host device: This is the device that initiates the communication and acts as the central point of the network. It can be a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or any other device that has networking capabilities.
Peripheral device: This is the device that responds to communication and acts as the endpoint of the network. It can be a mouse, a keyboard, a printer, a camera, or any other device that has networking capabilities.
Source: Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash
PAN uses different communication patterns depending on the type of connection and protocol. Some of the common communication patterns are:
Point-to-point: This is when two devices communicate directly with each other without any intermediary device. For example, when a smartphone connects to a headset via Bluetooth.
Point-to-multipoint: This is when one device communicates with multiple devices at the same time without any intermediary device. For example, when a computer connects to multiple printers via WiFi.
Broadcast: This is when one device communicates with all devices within its range without any intermediary device. For example, when a smartphone sends an alert message to all nearby devices via Bluetooth.
Mesh: This is when multiple devices communicate with each other without any central point of the network. For example, when multiple smartwatches form a network via Zigbee.
Personal Area Network Advantages & Disadvantages
Personal Area Network (PAN) has many advantages and disadvantages for network users and administrators. Some of the advantages are:
Convenience: PAN provides convenience for users by allowing them to connect their devices easily and quickly without any wires or cables.
Mobility: PAN provides mobility for users by allowing them to carry their devices anywhere within their range without losing connectivity.
Security: PAN provides security for users by allowing them to control who can access their devices and data using encryption and authentication methods.
Some of the disadvantages are:
Interference: PAN can face interference from other wireless devices or networks that use the same frequency or protocol, resulting in reduced performance or connectivity.
Compatibility: PAN can face compatibility issues among different devices or protocols that may not work well together, resulting in reduced functionality or usability.
Battery: PAN can consume the battery power of the devices, especially the wireless ones, resulting in reduced lifespan or availability.
How Will Personal Area Network (PAN) Evolve in 2023?
Personal Area Network (PAN) is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and trends of network users and technologies.
Some of the possible trends and developments for PAN in 2023 are:
IoT: This is the concept of connecting everyday objects and devices to the Internet and each other. IoT can enable users to create smart environments and applications using their PAN devices.
5G: This is the next generation of wireless technology that can provide faster speed, lower latency, and higher capacity for wireless communication. 5G can enable users to connect their PAN devices to the Internet and other networks more efficiently and reliably.
Wearables: These are devices that users can wear on their body or clothing, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, etc. Wearables can provide users with various functions and features using their PAN devices.
For example, users can use their smart glasses to display information, such as directions, notifications, among others.
Contrary to popular belief, to build a network cable is not complicated and advanced networking knowledge is not required.
Today, we’ll explain to you how it is done: from the tools and materials you need to tips so that they fail as little as possible.
In this case, we have chosen to make a direct cable, ideal for connecting a PC to a switch or router, although the process would be similar to making a crossover cable.
What are the Basic Tools Used in Creating a Network Cable?
From now on, you’ll know how to build yourself Ethernet network cables with the correct types of wires and connectors.
The tools and materials needed to assemble a network cable are as follows:
Perhaps the most difficult thing to get is the crimper, which is the tool that you will fix the RJ-45 plug to the cable.
They can be found for sale online for about 15 USD, although if you are not going to make cables frequently and want to save money, it is best to ask a friend if they have one.
There are crimpers that, in addition to allowing “crimping” RJ-45, can also be used for RJ-11 (telephone cable). If you are not going to use this last type of cable, it is best to buy a simple one because they are cheaper.
How do you Wire a Network Cable?
Once we have gathered all the necessary materials and tools, we can move on to the actual procedure to start building our own network cables.
To achieve the goal of building our own network cables, we will reduce the instructions to only the two most common types of cables, the crossed network cable, and the straight network cable, which will make things much easier for us when understanding the instructions.
What is the first step in making network cables?
Carefully peel the cable – Remove the cover to allow us to see the wires inside.
Approximately 3 cm. should be enough.
Scissors will help you with it and it should be noted that at this point you must be careful not to hurt yourself and not damage the internal conductors of the cable.
Separate and stretch the cables – At this point, you can notice that the conductors of a network cable are twisted in pairs.
Unraveled and stretched, trying to avoid curves and angles.
In other words, the straighter the conductors are, the easier it will be to carry out the procedure.
Order the cables – Decide if you want a Straight, Direct, or Patch Cord network cable or a Crossed, Inverted, or Crossover cable.
Cut them and carefully insert them into the RJ-45 plug – To do this without problems, you must cut off any excess cable.
Ideally, there should only be about 1.5 cm left. from the edge of the cable sheath. It is also important to mention that all the internal conductors of the network cable have the same length to avoid complications when inserting them into the RJ45 connector.
Then, you take the RJ45 connector and place the pairs in such a way that Pin 1, that is, the orange one, is on the left looking at the connector with the safety tab facing down.
If the order is correct, then introduce the conductive wires inside the RJ45 connector.
It should be noted that to prevent the network cable from being loose once it is finished, the best thing you can do is leave a piece of its coverage inside the connector. With this, make sure that the connector is well fixed.
Fix with the Crimper – It should be noted that you shouldn’t force the tool at any time, but neither do apply too little pressure since on the one hand the RJ45 connector could be damaged and on the other, it could be loose and ruin all the work done.
For more details, the job of crimping the RJ45 connector will be finished when you hear a “click”.
Repeat with the other end and check – In the event that it does not work, it is possible that you’ve made a mistake with the order of the cables or that the terminals do not make good contact with the conductor wires.
In this situation, it is best to cut and start over from the beginning.
Do you find it very laborious?
As they say, practice makes perfect… And in that case, LayerLogix experts are capable of doing this procedure with great speed, and therefore, at a very good price.
