5 Advantages and Disadvantages of WLAN | Drawbacks & Benefits of WLAN

 

WLAN: What is it?

One kind of wireless network that doesn't require a cable to function is the wireless local area network, or WLAN. Various devices are linked together in a WLAN in order to facilitate communication between them. They want to use radio waves for data transfer purposes.

In what locations is WLAN used?

WLAN is widely utilized in homes as well as offices. It is especially favored for communicating in close proximity. WLAN has many advantages for your company, but it isn't perfect. WLAN has some disadvantages, just like other kinds of networks. If you're still not sure whether to use this network, the following benefits and drawbacks can help you make up your mind.


In this post, I'll be focusing on the5 Advantages and Disadvantages of WLAN | Drawbacks & Benefits of WLAN. You will be aware of the pros and cons of WLAN use at the end of this article.

Now let's get started,

 

Advantages of WLAN

1. Cost

There are no cables or jacks in a wireless local area network. Consequently, there is no longer a need to pay for network installation. 

 

For instance, installing the network does not need hiring a network specialist. When compared to standard copper cabling, this method is far more economical. 

2. Mobility

The mobility that wireless transmission in WLAN provides is another benefit. Users are free to wander across the coverage area with the devices. 

 

Additionally, workers can easily swap out their workstations with the aid of the WLAN. 

 

 

3. Scalability

It's simple to add or remove workstations from a WLAN. A WLAN can grow spontaneously, just like when a PC is turned on. 

 

However, users must ensure that the quantity of devices does not beyond a particular threshold.

4. Flexibility

When it comes to workplace tasks, a WLAN offers a lot of flexibility. Employees are still able to work from home even when they are not in the office. Eventually, this makes working together simple. 

 

Additionally, employees can use office supplies like printers and scanners when working remotely. 

 

5. Wire Requirement

WLAN eliminates the need for actual wires, as was previously indicated. Essentially, the network operates without the usage of wires or cables. 

 

There is never a need for additional cabling when the network grows. Additionally, this reduces installation time significantly.

 

Disadvantages of WLAN

1. Installation

Most WLANs are challenging to configure. especially for those with little or no experience. The installation process calls for some specialized personnel. 

 

Furthermore, because WLAN employs access points rather than wires and hubs, specific devices are required to set up the network. This can result in even higher costs. 

2. Reliability

Different gadgets may cause interference to a WLAN. Interference is a regular occurrence, especially with electrical devices that use frequency. 

 

Physical structures like walls and ceilings have the ability to cause interference in addition to electronic gadgets. 

 

 

3. Security

Wireless networks of any type are open to intrusions. The same is true for WLAN. Hacking by unauthorized users into data transfers via WLAN is a simple process. 

 

Users in WLANs must so take additional precautions, such as password protection, to maintain optimal security. 

4. Area Coverage

The issue of area coverage has long plagued wireless networks, such as WLAN. There is a restricted range that a WLAN can cover. 

 

The signal gets worse as the user gets farther out of this range. Large structures with lots of occupants have this issue. 

 

Users may encounter frequent signal dips or no service at all in such circumstances. 

 

 

5. Speed

Because wireless local area networks (WLANs) rely on radio frequency waves for transmission, their speed is lower than that of wired networks. 

 

Generally speaking, a wireless connection can't go faster than 3Mbps. 

 

In contrast, a cable connection can easily reach speeds of up to 100Mbps. WLAN is therefore not as advised in situations when speed is an issue.