subject: Wireless networks - The Pro's and the Con's [print this page] Wireless networks used to be a fairly temperamental way of getting online that was usually restricted to people who had special reason not to use a wired network to connect computers together. Even after they became more usable the technology was still a little too expensive to justify for most families who just wanted a working household internet connection.
These days though, wireless is everywhere and starting to take over the amount of wired connections in the home, mostly thanks to the large amount of internet providers sending out wireless routers and taking away the cost for the consumer. If you're not sure about using wired or wireless connections first maybe you should read some broadband reviews to find the best broadband and phone deals available to you and here are the advantages and disadvantages that a modern wireless network can bring.
Advantages
Easy to setup: Adding another computer to a wireless network is usually just a case of loading up the network lists, entering the password and clicking OK. For most consumers that should be enough to add a computer to the network and the net. Wired computers can be just as easy; that is, once you've drilled holes in your walls and floors and laid wire around your house!
Great for devices: Nearly every computer will come with a wired port as standard, but can you say the same for your iPhone or games console? Wireless ensures that even portable devices have access to your internet connection, which can be great if you're moving about the house lot and want your iPod to stream music between rooms without having to pay for mobile broadband.
Numbers are not an issue: Most routers will connect up to 4 computers through wires, while some only connect 2 or 3. A few of the cheaper routers will only have a single port available. If you fill up the wired ports you need to purchase a switch to extend them, which means even more wires. Wireless can connect any number of computers together without the need for additional hardware, making it great if you've got a large family or home office.
Disadvantages
Security: Wireless can be very secure when it's set up properly, but when security measures aren't followed it can give people nearby access to both your internet connection and your wider network. This can be avoided by following online guides or reading your own router or provider instructions on wireless security.
Range: Wireless range has strongly improved in the last few years, but there's still a limit to how much you're going to get out of a router, especially one you get free on a broadband deal. Extenders and range boosters can be purchased at a cost if you've got a large house but setting these up can be a pain. However, most houses will find that their wireless will reach all floors without extra hardware and even into the garden, which is handy in summer.
Hardware: Computers come with wired network ports as standard these days, but not all computers have wireless. This means having to spend out on a wireless dongle which can pick up the signal. These have dropped in price but the ones with the best range can still be quite expensive. Wired networks don't have to worry about this, but they do need extra cables for each computer, so there is still a small cost involved.
