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Fixed vs. Wireless Telephone Networks: Key Differences

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This page describes the differences between fixed telephone networks and wireless telephone networks.

Key Differences

Fixed Telephone NetworkWireless Telephone Network
The transmitter and receiver are fixed at one place.Transmitter and receiver communicate via EM radio waves. They are not always fixed at one place but can move also.
Information is carried over cables (fiber optic/copper) and fixed links (microwave/satellite).
Network configurations are virtually static and need programming at the Local Exchange when a subscriber changes location from one area to another.Network configurations are dynamic and will obtain subscriber information when it moves from one location area or routing area to the other areas.
Takes time for changing the fixed telephone services.It does not take time and can be done in a small interval of time.
A telephone Central Office takes care of millions of landline telephone connections.MSCs take care of cellular telephone connections based on air traffic capacity.
Less overhead data is needed.More overhead data is needed as the geographical location keeps changing.
No harsh channel conditions are usually observed with this type of network.Very harsh and random channel conditions can also be observed with this type of network. The system is designed to take care of these channel conditions.