Wireless Networks: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Examples

A wireless network is a type of computer network where devices communicate and exchange data without physical cables or wires. Instead, these networks rely on radio waves, infrared signals, or other wireless technologies to transmit information. Wireless communication is essential for a wide range of applications and industries because of its inherent advantages and specific needs.

It enables mobility, allowing devices and users to stay connected while on the move. Wireless networks can be deployed in remote and underserved areas where installing wired infrastructure is impractical or cost-prohibitive. Moreover, wireless networks can be expanded to accommodate additional devices and users without extensive infrastructure upgrades.

A wireless network consists of a wireless connection between various parts (transmitter, receiver) of the wireless system. This system doesn’t require wires such as cables, optical cables, twisted pairs, etc. Electromagnetic (EM) waves are used between the transmitter and receiver to carry information using various modulation techniques. Antennas are used to transmit/receive EM waves to/from the air.

Let’s explore examples, advantages, and disadvantages of wireless networks.

10 Examples of Wireless Networks

1. Satellite Communication Network: It uses satellites orbiting the Earth to provide services such as voice and data. It provides services to remote and rural areas, bypassing the need for traditional wired infrastructure.

2. Cellular Communication Systems (GSM, CDMA, HSPA, Wimax, LTE (4G), 5G, 6G, etc.): These networks require base stations or cell towers to provide service to their surrounding areas. All cell towers are connected with backbone infrastructure with PSTN and PSDN. Cellular networks provide wireless communication over long distances, allowing mobile phones and other devices to connect to the internet and make voice or data calls.

3. Indoor Wireless Communication Systems (WLAN, Zigbee, Bluetooth, Z-wave, etc.): These are short-range wireless technologies.

4. Microwave Link: Used for point-to-point long-distance communication, mainly to connect two cellular towers. It is used as backhaul connectivity.

5. IoT Wireless Networks (LoRa, Sigfox, LTE-M, NB-IoT, etc.): Used as LPWA (Low Power Wireless Access) networks. IoT devices supporting these technologies are designed to collect, transmit, and exchange data with minimal human intervention, offering the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability required for the diverse and rapidly growing IoT ecosystem.

6. NFC (Near Field Communication): Allows short-range wireless communication between devices, commonly used for contactless payments, access control, and data transfer.

7. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Uses wireless communication to identify and track objects, often used in inventory management, access control, and supply chain applications.

8. Infrared: Used for short-range communication between devices such as TV remote controls and some older wireless data transfer methods.

9. UWB (Ultra Wideband): A wireless technology used for its precise location and positioning capabilities, used in applications like indoor navigation and asset tracking.

10. CBRS: A wireless communication spectrum in the United States used for private LTE networks and other wireless applications.

11. V2V Communication: Enables wireless data exchange between vehicles for improved road safety and traffic management.

Benefits or Advantages of Wireless Networks

• Wireless networks are easy to install and maintain, making them quickly deployable in disaster recovery and special events.
• They offer flexibility and mobility during usage.
• Wireless signals are available behind walls and on hilly terrains, providing service independent of location.
• Mobile phone prices are very low due to the large number of mobile user devices manufactured by numerous vendors, making wireless networks cost-effective for users.
• Wireless networks cover wide coverage areas with the help of appropriate signal strength and modulation techniques.
• File sharing is easier using wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and so on.
• Wireless networks support scalability and can easily accommodate additional devices without extensive cabling.
• Users can connect to wireless networks without the constraints of physical cables, making it convenient for laptops, smartphones, and other portable devices.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Wireless Networks

• Wireless networks offer lower speeds compared to wired networks.
• Wireless networks offer less bandwidth compared to wired networks, as wireless networks use frequency spectrum, which is a scarce resource.
• Wireless networks are less secure compared to wired networks.
• Wireless networks are prone to interference from nearby wireless networks and fading conditions.
• Quality of service is poor due to jitter and delay in connection setup time.
• The range of wireless networks is limited, and signal strength decreases with distance from the Access Point (AP).
• In densely populated areas, multiple wireless networks can cause signal congestion and reduced performance.
• Wireless networks may introduce higher latency compared to wired networks, affecting real-time applications such as gaming and video conferencing.

Conclusion

In summary, wireless networks offer mobility and convenience, allowing users to connect from anywhere within the coverage area and reducing the need for physical infrastructure. They are easily scalable and cost-effective for small to medium-sized deployments.

However, wireless networks are susceptible to interference, have limited range, and may suffer from security vulnerabilities if not properly configured. Additionally, they can experience slower speeds and higher latency compared to wired networks, particularly in crowded environments.