Wired Networks vs. Wireless Networks: Which Is More Secure?

Is a wired network safer than a wireless network, as has been discussed for decades? The answer, like with many things in life, is that it depends. It's dependent on the sort of business, the sort of data being sent over the network, and other factors. There are some basic guidelines that can assist businesses in determining which form of network is the best solution for their property.

Wired Networks

• Performance – The performance of a wired network is superior to that of a wireless network. Because there is less interference than a wireless network would experience, this is the case. A connected wire network allows for greater overall stability. For any key machines like servers and routers, we strongly suggest you install a wired connection. This will prevent any service outage that may occur with a wireless network.

• Security – Wireless networks are not as secure as wired networks. This is due to the fact that your network is only accessible via a physical cable connection. Wireless networks offer an open Wi-Fi signal that may be accessed by anybody and potential hackers, putting your company at risk.

• Installation – This is a situation-based option. Many company premises and contemporary houses include structured cabling in their construction, which is built into the walls and the floor. If this is the case, most of the difficult work has already been completed, with only minor modifications required.

• Speed – Wired networks are faster and more reliable than wireless networks. This is because when you send data over a wired network, there is no delay in transmission like there can be with a wireless network. In addition, wired networks are not as susceptible to interference from other electronic devices like wireless networks are.

Wireless Networks

• Performance – Wireless networks, on average, perform worse than wired networks due to factors such as signal range, the number of connected devices, office furnishings and building features like lifts and pipes. Wi-Fi networks, on the other hand, are getting better in terms of capability with technological advancements such As 802.11ax. We are watching this space as the industry is moving towards a wireless connected workplace.

• Security – A wireless network, on the other hand, is less secure than a wired one. To access a wireless network, no physical access to a facility is required. Wireless networks can be secured with an advanced authentication process like enterprise WPA2 with 802.1X to prevent harmful assaults.

• Installation – Wireless networks are mostly easy to install. They do not require a large amount of physical cabling to be installed and allow your computers and tablets to be moved around.

“Ultimately, we need to consider the user experience and what suits their needs to make a firm decision.”

Let's talk about Reliability and Stability

Wireless networks are susceptible to interference from other networks, wireless-enabled devices, and objects like walls that can block the connection. Furthermore, the signal quality varies if you are a mobile user who shifts locations. As a result, the latency you experience with a wireless network will differ significantly from that of a wired network.

Employing these prevention techniques will avoid attackers from gaining access by providing fraudulent responses.

• Encryption - Encryption is the process of scrambling a message with a large digital number in order to conceal its contents. Encryption scrambles the original message using a huge digital figure (also known as a key). Wi-Fi protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) are two types of wireless network security.

• Web filtering - Filtering of websites on a computer by software prevents users from visiting possibly harmful sites, lowering the danger of malware, spyware, spam, adware, and phishing.

• Antivirus - Antivirus software is a type of security software that protects your computer or device against viruses, malware, and other types of threats.

• Remote management - Many MSPs, especially those who oversee a large number of customer networks, demand the capacity to remotely control and manage their networks. A remote management solution provides continuous monitoring over every device on each network as well as notification if any are added or deleted.

Put the user experience at the centre of your decision

Ultimately, we need to consider the user experience and what suits their needs to make a firm decision. With wireless networks, one network is visible to the other which can affect the performance of your connection. Because the networks can see one another, the possibility of interference by other wireless enabled devices or obstructions is higher.

Additionally, the nodes or connection points on a wireless network are unable to hear each other. This can have a detrimental impact on your connection's performance and quality.

A wired connection may be the best option if you are concerned about the expense of upgrading your network and want the highest level of security and performance. A wired link, on the other hand, might suit your property requirements well if you aren't concerned about mobility.

If you don't mind spending a bit more, but still want mobility and cutting-edge technologies, a wireless network is an excellent option. Get in touch with our Siemlus IT experts who can work with you to help deliver the best solution possible.