WLAN advantages and disadvantages.

What are WLAN advantages comparing to traditional wired networks?

1) Mobility and Availability
To hook up to the network, you only need to open your laptop and push button to enable the wireless network. That is all. You do not have to worry about cable length or finding the plug. You can take your laptop no matter you go, living room in a sofa, working table, or toilet...

2) Cheaper and quicker deployment
Adding users is matter of configuration. It does not involve making physical connections. You do not have running cables, punching down terminals, patching new jacks. Wireless technology saves significant amount of money on cabling cost and labor.

3) Increasing productivity
Result of researches shows that wireless technologies have a direct impact on productivity.

But you also have to be aware of the WLAN disadvantages:

1) Limited number of users and lower bandwidth.
Wireless transmission is slower, less efficient and less reliable comparing to wired networks. Backbone is in most cased wired.

2) Less security
Wireless is more vulnerable for malicious attacks. So you need to use extra security.

3) Interference and lost of signal
Wireless network could interference with other wireless networks in the building and interference with other radio signals. It could lower bandwidth or even to cause no connection at all - black spots. The reason for this is steel reinforcing materials.