Introduction
Day by day, the usage of wireless networks has been increasing across the world. We either come across or use wireless networks using various computer devices in our day-to-day activities. The need to make communication and transfer of data much faster and more efficient has necessitated the development of the wireless network. The wireless network is efficient and cost-effective, making it more popular across the world. The use of wireless networks, particularly in organizations, should be integrated for the reasons discussed in this report.
Benefits of Wireless Networks
The wireless network enables its users to be able to use the network with easy access. This is because it doesn’t require any cable or wire to be used. This makes it possible to communicate within the network while moving around without being disconnected. This results in the staff members working efficiently and hence improves the organization’s productivity (Karnik & Passerini, 2005). Installation of a wireless network is easier and faster compared to a cable or wire-based network. It brings down the usage of cables which can be difficult to set up and may also bring up the risk of tripping on them and falling. A wireless network is much cheaper to install than installing a wired network since it saves on the cost of purchasing the wires (Karygiannis & Owens, 2002). In most cases, the initial investment in installing a wireless network is high, but with time, the overall expenses become lower. In cases where the organization has to change the network, it will have to update the wireless network until it meets the new configuration.
Wireless networks are efficient since they allow improved and better communication of data (Karnik & Passerini, 2005). The data transfer between the network users is much faster than the cable and wire. The users of the network can also move around with their gadgets using the network since they are not limited by network cables. This makes the network more efficient in the organization’s activities. Wireless networks are flexible, making it easy for the organization’s members to use them efficiently. The employees can be able to work from home and be productive since they can have direct access to data through a wireless network (Karygiannis & Owens, 2002). Wireless networks allow wider reach than wired and cable networks. It can allow the organization to reach more users and be able to transfer information to wider places.
Drawbacks
Wireless networks normally have a lot of security issues if it is not installed properly or maintained in the right way (Karygiannis, 2002). Lack of good maintenance of the wireless network may lead to severe security threats. The wireless network does not require components like network cables and wire making it necessary to use a wireless adapter which increases the risk of hackers accessing the network. Hackers seriously threaten any organization’s network and can overturn a whole organization. Transfer of data through a wireless network is slower compared to a wired network. The speed of sharing data through a wireless network will depend on how far the receiver is from the sender.
The more the distance between them, the longer it will take for the data to be transferred. This makes the speed of sharing data less efficient when using a wireless network. Organizations in large spaces or buildings will experience low-speed transfer of data (Karnik & Passerini, 2005). A wireless network will not be efficient where large files are transferred and in big space buildings. Wireless networks are subjected to interference and jamming mainly due to external factors. External factors like radiation, fog, radio signals, dust storms, or any similar interference may cause the wireless network to malfunction. The wireless network can be prone to interference if other users or organizations are using wireless technology in the near area or within the same building.
The wireless network requires minimum knowledge of computers for the user to be able to use the network. People who may not have the required experience may face some challenges when using the network. If an inexperienced person installs the network, there is an increased risk of hacking. Therefore, the installation requires the hiring of experienced personnel. Wireless networks are usually inexpensive, but the cost of installation is very high (Karnik & Passerini, 2005). The installation of wireless networks may require specific equipment that may be expensive. These tags, along with extra costs in installing the wireless network. The installation of wireless networks requires high expertise, which still increases the cost of installation. Wireless networks have a minimum coverage area which is unsuitable for a large building.
Conclusion
This report describes the benefits and drawbacks of the wireless network in an organization. It is evident that integrating a wireless network in an organization has its advantages and disadvantages, and weighing the two; it can be said it will be beneficial for an organization to install a wireless network.
References
Karnik, A., & Passerini, K. (2005, April). Wireless network security-a discussion from a business perspective. In Symposium, 2005 Wireless Telecommunications (pp. 261-267). IEEE.
Karygiannis, T., & Owens, L. (2002). Wireless Network Security: US Department of Commerce, Technology Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology.