Wired and Wireless Connectivity

What is Wired Connectivity?

Wired connectivity refers to the use of physical cables to connect devices and establish a network. These can include Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, or fibre optic cables.
This type of connectivity typically offers a faster, more reliable connection and can handle larger amounts of data when compared to wireless connections.
Network devices interconnected using wires are less likely to be interrupted by external interference, so the connection is generally more stable.
For devices that need a lot of bandwidth, such as gaming computers and servers, wired connections are often preferred.
A major drawback of wired connections is the limited mobility. Devices connected via a cable can’t be moved around as easily as those using wireless connections.
Also, setting up wired connectivity might be more complex and costly due to the need for lots of cables and potentially more hardware.

What is Wireless Connectivity?

Wireless connectivity means connecting devices without the use of physical cables. This is achieved through radio waves or infrared signals.
The most common types of wireless connectivity include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data (such as 4G and 5G).
Wireless connectivity gives devices mobility, enabling users to move around freely while still being connected to the network.
In many settings, it’s more convenient and aesthetically pleasing not to have network cables everywhere.
However, interference from walls, other electronic devices, or even other Wi-Fi networks can disrupt wireless signals and reduce connection quality.
Wireless connections can also be less secure than wired ones. Although encryption technologies like WPA2 can help improve security, wireless networks are inherently more open to eavesdropping and potential hacking.
Moreover, wireless connections are generally slower and less reliable than wired ones, especially when many devices are connected to the same network or if the devices are a significant distance from the wireless router.