The revenue from wireless network infrastructure is expected to reach $49.82 billion in 2022. It's understandable why wireless networks have become so popular. They are easy to install, use, and maintain.
Plus, they don't require any physical connection between devices or networks, making them ideal for various settings. But before investing in a wireless network, you should know about the types of wireless networks. Below, we explain the differences between different types of wireless networks and their differences from wired networks.
Types of Wireless Networks
Typically, there are four types of wireless networks. A wireless mesh network could be a fifth type, as it uses multiple hubs or access points to provide coverage.
Wireless Local Area Networks (LAN)
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is designed to connect two or more devices over a short distance, such as in an office building. WLANs typically use radio waves or infrared signals to establish communication between the devices.
WLANs are easy to install and don't require cables, making them suitable for small areas where running cables is not feasible. Moreover, they are also faster than wired networks.
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
In contrast to a WLAN, a wide area network (WAN) uses satellite connections to cover larger geographical areas. The network connects everything from data centers and offices to cloud storage and cloud applications.
It's termed a wide area because it covers more than just an office building. The common WANs are 5G, 4G, 3G, and LTE.
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
Metropolitan area networks provide wireless access to local area networks (LANs) within a city or town. They can also cover multiple cities.
MANs use routers and switches to connect different LANs within a metropolitan area, usually in a corporate setting. MANs are smaller than WANs but larger than LANs.
They typically use fiber optic cables to connect LANs. In most cases, MANs operate on dark fiber, which carries traffic.
Personal Area Networks (PAN)
A personal area network (PAN) is the smallest type of wireless network. It's designed to connect devices within a range of 10 meters and typically uses Bluetooth technology.
PANs connect computers, printers, and other devices in a home or office setting. Cell phones are an example of PANs, as they use Bluetooth to connect with other devices. Most wireless devices, such as wireless mice and keyboards, are examples of PANs.
Besides Bluetooth, some PANs also use infrared or radio frequency (RF) signals to transmit data. For example, a wireless printer usually uses RF signals to connect with computers.
Wireless Mesh Networks
True to its name, a wireless mesh network consists of interconnected hubs (access points). It's designed to provide improved coverage and reliability in certain areas.
It follows a decentralized networking infrastructure. That means each node or router has multiple connections with other nodes. As a result, it makes the network less prone to failure and more reliable in larger areas.
Understanding Wireless Connectivity With Cellular Networks
A cellular network uses radio frequency signals for data transmission between devices. It provides users with mobile internet access and voice services, including cellular telephones, text messaging, and multimedia messaging.
It's a popular choice for large networks because it provides better coverage. Plus, it can support larger numbers of users without significant performance issues.
Cellular networks are also called mobile broadband and wireless wide area networks (WWANs). That's what you see in cellular phones.
The wireless connectivity in these networks comes from base stations, usually spread across the area. Each base station covers a specific area and provides coverage to the connected devices.
The land areas in the network are called cells. One or more fixed-location transceivers serve every cell. These transmitters and receivers are connected to the network via fiber-optic, coaxial cable, or microwave links.
A cellular Wi-Fi router is an effective way to get internet access for your entire home or office. It is similar to a wireless router but has the added benefit of connecting to cellular networks.
5GHz Band
The 5GHz network is faster than the 2.4GHz band. It is a short-range wireless network that can connect devices within several meters and provide a strong signal strength.
Although it was introduced in 1999, the 5GHz band only became popular with the advancements in cellular technology. The release of 802.11n home routers in 2009 was the central turning point in the 5GHz network.
The 5GHz band is suitable for high-bandwidth applications, such as streaming HD videos and downloading large files. It is also used in smart devices, such as smartphones and tablets. 5GHz and 2.4GHz are now the most common GHz frequencies used worldwide.
Difference Between Wired Networks and Wireless Networks
The main difference between wired networks and wireless networks is the physical connection. Wireless networks use cables or wires to connect computers, while wireless networks use radio waves.
Wired networks, such as Ethernet cables, are usually faster than wireless networks. They also offer faster data transfer. Plus, they make it difficult for unauthorized users to connect to the network.
Wireless networks are much more convenient when it comes to setup and configuration. All you need to do is plug in the router. It should be up and running within minutes. Antennas do the job of wires in wireless routers as they send radiofrequency waves to facilitate communication between your devices and the router.
If you’re wondering ‘’which of the following are antenna types that are commonly used in wireless networks,” you can check a selection here.
Wireless communications have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their mobility and convenience. The improvement in wireless standards has also enabled faster speeds and better security.
Another key difference between wired and wireless networks is the range. Wired networks, such as wired internet, are generally limited to the length of the cable, while wireless networks can cover much larger areas.
Wireless Connections Compared to Wired Connections
While wireless connections are more convenient and often less expensive, their wired counterparts are safer and have better channel capacity. Fortunately, we now have the technology to connect two wired networks.
A wireless client can use an access point connected to the wired network, allowing wireless devices and computers to communicate with each other over Wi-Fi.
Is Your Wireless Network Up to Date?
The types of wireless networks differ based on their range and standards. Meanwhile, the main difference between wired and wireless networks is physical connectivity.
It's important to ensure your wireless network is up to date with the latest technology. Wireless networks are constantly evolving, and new protocols and standards are being released. If your wireless network is not up-to-date, it may be susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Plus, it may lack features available on modern wireless networks.
Lucky for you, Novotech has a wide selection of wireless solutions to fit your needs. Check out our collection here.