Wifi advantages and disadvantages

RF Wireless World

This page covers advantages and disadvantages of WiFi and its basics. It mentions benefits or advantages of WiFi and drawbacks or disadvantages of WiFi.

What is WiFi?

Introduction:
WiFi network uses radio frequency for its operation in the 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz bands. The wifi technology is based on WLAN as defined in IEEE 802.11 series standards which include 11a, 11n, 11ac and 11ax. The standard defines PHY and MAC layer specifications.

WiFi network is established by installing wifi AP (Access Point) or wifi router. The wifi router or AP is connected with the internet using physical or wired ethernet cable or fiber optic cable. WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity.

WiFi network enables connection between two or more devices wirelessly for data sharing purposes. It is simple and cost effective way to connect with wifi router or with other wifi devices wirelessly without the need of wires. WiFi router in the office and home helps to share single internet connection among multiple users wirelessly without the need of ethernet cables.

• The figure depicts simple wifi network. Let us understand working of two way wifi communication between wifi router and wifi dongle or wifi compliant mobile phone.
• The computer/mobile phone translates data into RF signal using wifi dongle/chip and transmits the same over the air with the help of antenna. The wifi router receives the same and decodes it. The router transmits the decoded information over internet after necessary protocol conversion.
• The process works in reverse when router receives the information from the internet. It translates the data to RF signal. This RF signal is being received by the wifi dongle/chip housed in computer/mobile phone which converts the same into data/information.

Benefits or advantages of WiFi

Following are the benefits or advantages of WiFi:
➨It is easy to add or move wifi clients or wifi stations to the wifi network created by AP (Access Point).
➨Installation is very quick and easy. It does not require technical knowledge of wifi or wlan system and its protocols.
➨Access to the wifi network can be availed from anywhere within the wifi AP (Access point) coverage range.
➨WiFi enabled USB dongles are available at very affordable rates from TP-Link, D-Link, Tenda etc.
➨Latest wifi standard versions such as 11n and 11ac deliver fast data connection rates e.g. 300 Mbps and higher.
➨As it is easy to integrate wifi functionality in the mobile computing devices; it is now being used by millions of people using various devices such as PCs, laptops, PDAs, Printers, Cameras, Games, MP3 players, smartphones etc.

Drawbacks or disadvantages of WiFi

Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of WiFi:
➨Data transfer rate decreases (to individual computer) when number of clients or computers connected with wifi network increases.
➨Full security is difficult to achieve due to wifi connection being wireless in nature. It requires proper security authentication protocols and configurations.
➨Wifi devices operate in full functionality and without any interruptions when they are within the range of AP and receiving good signal strength. WiFi access is limited to about 30 to 100 meters (i.e. 100 to 300 feet).
➨In case wifi connection does not work, minimal troubleshootings are needed. This requires one to understand basics of wifi device from user manual provided by the manufacturer.
➨Before using wifi device, one need to install software from the CD provided by the manufacturer in the desktop or laptop.

Conclusion: In order to understand advantages of WiFi and disadvantages of WiFi one has to understand WiFi system basics (i.e. various versions of wlan standards) and its technology wise comparison with other existing technologies. Refer LiFi vs WiFi >>, LiFi vs WiFi >> and MiFi vs WiFi >>
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Wi-Fi Advantages and Disadvantages – Wi-Fi Pros and Cons

Wi-Fi stands for (an abbreviation of) Wireless Fidelity, a type of unguided communication technology that transfers data and information with the help of radio waves. It is denoted as unguided communication as there is no physical wire to guide communication from one place to another.

The wireless LAN technologies are primarily used for their ease of use and convenience. These wireless LANs do not require any guided communication and long loopholes of wires communication to transfer data from one source to another.

The Wi-Fi network was established and defined in IEEE 802.11 series standards based on WLAN technology. The system is installed with Access Point or router which is physically connected to the internet using wired cable, ethernet or optical fibre cable.

The wifi connection is the most simple and easier ways to connect to the internet and transfer data to other sources without the use of any wire. Also, multiple users can be connected to a single wifi router directly without using an ethernet cable.

Now, let’s discuss the pros and cons of wifi.

WiFi Advantages

Convenient

Wifi is the most convenient ways of using the internet without the use of any physical wires. Also, it can be installed at any place like home, school, hospital, office, public places, etc.

The router just need an electricity connection to get started. The wireless nature of the network allows users to connect to wifi and access to the internet.

Mobility

The wifi has emerged as the most used LAN networks across all the public places. Even railway stations, bus service, restaurants, cafe’s and other public places offer their customers free wifi accessibility.

Multiple Users

The best thing you don’t need an ethernet cable to connect every user for accessing the internet. Multiple users can connect to the wifi and access the internet at a single point of time.

Password Authentication

While installing wifi you can set your router connection either open or secured with password authentication. This enables the wifi owner to restrict the use of data to limited members. Only the person who has a password can access the wifi.

Expandability

The wireless network can be expanded for multiple users without any increase in cost. But in a wired network, for each additional user would require additional wiring which increases the cost and effort.

Usability

Wifi network is the most usable wireless network that has been standardized for all countries. Mobile devices get directly connected to the wifi regardless of location.

WiFi Disadvantages

Bandwidth

The bandwidth and connectivity of wifi reduce between the thick concrete wall. Also, the wifi has a distance limit up to which users can connect. As the user goes outside the range wifi automatically gets disconnected.

Reduction in Speed

Although gigabit wifi is now available in the market still we cannot get the top-notch speed performance all the time. It also depends upon the number of users connected at a single point of time and range of wifi.

Distortion/Noise

Wireless connection has its drawbacks like noise and distortion in a network which are out of control for any administrator. These interference in a wireless connection may occur anytime creating the downtime.

Security

Full security cannot be achieved in wifi as of being wireless in nature. Wifi passwords can be easily cracked by hackers and it can be misused leading to the violation of rules and regulations.

Conclusion

The wifi has many advantages and disadvantages but its usability is increasing day by day. You can see wifi connection everywhere around you in public places, transportation areas, schools, hospitals, etc. The usage of wireless connection is increasing on a large scale.

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6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wifi | Drawbacks and Benefits of Wireless Networks

Wifi is a mode of wireless technology which uses radio waves for its data transmission. Compared to the older Ethernet connections, Wifi paved the way for a new dimension in internet access. It is no doubt that Wifi network is easy to install and use. Even most companies are placing wireless LAN cards in their desktops before selling it to their customers.

But before making an investment in Wifi networks, you must know its advantages and disadvantages as well. Because there are both ups and downs present in a Wifi connection.

In this article, I will be illustrating the 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wifi | Drawbacks and Benefits of Wireless Networks. Finally from this post, you will know the pros and cons of using Wifi.

Advantages of Wifi

Wireless networks allows multiple users to connect through the same network. In a fraction of seconds without any configurations, connections can be made through the router or a hotspot technology. This ease of use and convenience is not present in the wired networks. In a wired network, it takes more time to configure and allow access to multiple users.

As long as you are in the range of a Wifi Access Point, with Wifi you can carry out your regular works from anywhere you want especially with the mobile devices. You don’t have to always sit right in front of the computer to get internet access. Such works include, bank transactions, email sending and checking work reports.

3. Productivity

Regardless of their location, staffs of a company can accomplish their assigned tasks with a Wifi network. Users who connect to a Wifi network can experience different ranges of speed as they move from one location to another. And also there are least chances of experiencing technical glitches with the Wireless LAN. As a result staffs can be more engaged and be able to deliver their timely targets and works, enhancing the overall productivity of the company.

The installation of a Wifi access point is relatively easy compared to a Wired network connection. There is no complexity of cables being run in different locations and operating switches. Think of setting up a desktop with the network connection in a workplace. Installing a new Wifi router is easy rather than fitting a complex cable network.

5. Expandability

Adding new users to a Wifi network is an easy task. With the proper Wireless LAN credentials , more users can access the Wifi network. Additionally there is no need to install any new type of equipment, all can be done with the existing. This significantly saves time and effort of the clients.

Compared to a Wired network connection, Wireless networks offer significant advantages in terms of cost and labour. Especially when installing a new Wifi network, you can cut down the expenses in wiring and maintenance. Out of these the bigger expense comes under the wiring part. Since very less number of wires are used here, it can save bigger amount in companies overall budget.

Disadvantages of Wifi

1. Security

Even though many encryption techniques are taken by the wireless networks, still the Wifi is vulnerable to hacking. Due to its wireless nature it has high chances of being hacked especially the Public Wifi networks. Since the Public Wifi networks are open for anyone, hackers can impose their fake networking ID. Without consent users may connect to this fake ID and fall into the category of cyber attack victims.

Range offered by a Wifi network is limited, typically around 100-150 feet. While it is sufficient for a normal home, it can actually be a problem for building structures. The strength of a Wifi network will be reducing as you move away from the access point. Since the building are multi-storeyed, the strength of the Wifi network can be varying at different floors. This cloud weaken the company’s workflow. The only way to overcome this is by purchasing additional access points.

The speed of a Wifi connections are far more slower than a wired connection (around 1-54 Mbps). That is too just one device connected to the dedicated servers. This may look fine as long as there are few devices connected to the network. The moment when there are more devices connected, you could experience a drastic reduction in speed.

A Wifi network works in the frequency of 2.4Ghz. This frequency has high chances of getting hindered due to the electro magnetic waves and other forms of obstacles. As a result you may frequently experience connectivity issues and weak signal strengths. Especially during large file transfers the signal can get interfered.

Many routers only allows 30 maximum devices to be connected. The bandwidth of the Wifi network gets weaker as you add more devices. It is solely reserved for a single user. Most often when the bandwidth gets limited users can experience slow speeds.

There are certain conspiracy theories about Wifi that it causes health issues in human. Some of them are cancer, insomnia and apoptosis. Same as the effects caused from the Microwave frequencies ( EMF ). And also it is advised for pregnant womens, not to get exposed to the Wifi signals as it releases Electromagentic radiations.

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