LAN Cable Assembly: Why is it better than WIFI?

Networks for small businesses and the home use wireless or wired technology.

Wireless options (such as wifi) are prevalent in homes, while many businesses still depend on wired networks.

Both technologies have advantages over each other, representing viable options for local area networks (LANs).

Today, we will have a better understanding of the LAN cable assembly.

LAN Cable Assembly: LAN Understanding

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects devices and computers within a small area, such as an office, building, or home.

LANs connect personal computers to printers on a small scale.

However, It can extend over several kilometers when used in companies, where many computers share various resources such as hardware (for example, printers, scanners, audio-visual equipment, etc.), data, and software (for example, applications).

A LAN uses the TCP/IP protocol’s proprietary addressing mechanism to connect a switch or stack of switches to several computers and devices.

Routers connect the edge of a LAN to the WAN.

Data transfers in a LAN are fast because of the limited number of computers connected.

The connection must be high-speed, and the hardware  (hubs, Ethernet cables, network adapters) must be fairly inexpensive.

Early LANs were limited to data speeds of 4-16 Mbps; however, speeds have increased significantly (100 to 1000 megabits per second).

LANs typically use wired connections; however, wireless connections can also be in the application.

LANs are more fault tolerant and have less network congestion.

In a LAN, the propagation delay is very short. Smaller LANs might use as few as two computers, while larger LANs can hold thousands of computers.

Various Ethernet Cables

LAN Cable Assembly: Cables For LAN and Their Uses

Ethernet LAN devices use electrical signals or Ethernet cables to transmit data.

For example, you can connect two computers with an Ethernet crossover cable.

The following are the common cables used in a LAN.

1. Copper Twisted Pair (Also Known as Networking, LAN, or Ethernet Cable)

These are twisted pairs of copper cables connecting routers, computers, switches, gaming systems, IP cameras, PoE devices, printers, and many more.

The cable is available in various types, which include:

• Cat5e
• Cat6
• Cat6A
• Cat8.

2. Coaxial Cable

The coaxial cable primarily transmits video, audio, and communication signals.

These wires have higher bandwidth and more transmission capacity.

Hence they can support optimum performance capabilities. 

These cables serve as the primary source connection between your TV and cable box.

Also, many use coaxials for networking purposes, and the cables can offer an internet connection from an ISP to a modem box.

These aspects are essential, especially for entertainment and business purposes.

Another common use of the coaxial cable is connecting a modem and an Ethernet cable to hard-wired devices.

3. Fiber Cable

A fiber cable comprises optical fibers capable of carrying light.

Also, the cable can transmit signals relatively far, which makes it a top-rated solution for most business corporations.

WLAN standards

WLAN devices use high-energy radio frequency waves to transmit data.

Generally speaking, WLAN technology follows one of the following standards.

And depending on the standard used, you can enjoy different advantages of a wireless network.

802.11b was the first standard for WLANs. It is cheap.

The 802.11a standard is more expensive than 802.11b but faster. It is common in commercial networks.

The common standard 802.11g tries to combine the advantages of 802.11a and 802.11b. However, this is a more expensive home networking option.

 802.11ac, the latest standard, operates on the 5 GHz bands and offers speed over 3 Gb/s.

Wireless Router

Advantages & Disadvantages of LAN Cabling Over WLAN

Both wireless and wired networks support broadband routers, allowing sharing of DSL Internet or cable modem connections, and include firewall support.

Let us now discuss some advantages and disadvantages of LAN cables over WLAN cables.

Wired LAN Vs. WLAN: Which is faster?

Typically, LAN cables have more to offer users regarding transmission speed than WLAN.

And based on modern standards, LAN cables allow a rate of 40 GB/s when operating with a wired network, a speed significantly faster than WLAN. 

Also, even with the wifi 6 (the latest WLAN AX standard), you can only achieve 9.6 GB/s with WLAN.

However, it’s essential to note that this is only a theoretical value since achieving it in a realistic environment is impossible because of external interference factors. 

Wired LAN Vs. WLAN: Which is Safer?

It’s more than evident that wired network connections are superior to WLAN environments when it comes to the matter of security.

First, you must remember that a hacker can use cracking attacks to access wireless networks. Also, other hackers use Jammer attacks to disrupt or halt a WLAN signal.

That said, one would need physical access to the network to conduct jamming attacks.

Wired LAN Vs. WLAN: Which Is More Reliable?

LANs tend to be less vulnerable to intrusion from electromagnetic radiation.

Also, they are more adaptable because of standardized sockets and plugs. 

Wired LAN Vs. WLAN: Which Is More Convenient?

An interesting factor of LANs is that they offer less mobility than their WLAN counterparts, where one is not restricted to a specific location.

Also, the cable thickness and pricing are other factors that may present a problem. 

Conclusion

If you’re cost-conscious, need maximum home system performance, and aren’t too concerned about mobility, then a wired Ethernet LAN might be for you.

Cost is no object; you enjoy being an early adopter of cutting-edge technology.

If you are concerned about wiring your home or small business with Ethernet cables, consider wireless LAN.