What is WLAN ?
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is one type of wireless network which operates without a cable. In WLAN different devices are connected together so that they can communicate with each other. For the purpose of data transmission, they will be using radio waves.Â
Where is WLAN used ?
Not only in offices, even WLAN is used commonly in homes. Especially, it is preferred in communication within small proximity. Although WLAN provides several benefits to your business, it aren't flawless. Similar to other types of networks, WLAN too comes with certain drawbacks. If you are not convinced about using this network, the following pros and cons will help you decide.
In this article, I will be concentrating about 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of WLAN | Drawbacks & Benefits of WLAN. At the end of this post, you will know the pros and cons of using WLAN.
Let's get started,
Advantages of WLAN
1. Cost
Wireless LANs are completely free of cables and jacks. As a result, the expense of installing the network is eliminated. For an example, a network technician doesn't need to be hired to install the network. This is much cost effective way compared to regular copper cabling.Â
2. Scalability
Adding or removing new workstation in WLAN is made easy. Similar to how a computer is turned on, a WLAN can be expanded without any planning. But users need to make sure that the number of devices does not exceed after a certain level.
3. Mobility
Another advantage of wireless transmission in WLAN is the mobility it offers. With the devices, users are free to move within the coverage range. And if the employees needed to change their workstation they can do it conveniently with the help of WLAN.Â
4. Physical Wires
As mentioned earlier WLAN does not involve any physical wires. Meaning, no wires or cables are used inside the network. Whenever the network is expanded, no new cabling is required. This also saves significant amount of time in installation.Â
5. Flexibility
A WLAN is highly flexible when it comes to office works. Even if the employees are not at the office premises, still they can continue to work from home. This eventually leads to easy collaboration. And, office resources such as printers and scanners can be used by the employees while working remote.
Disadvantages of WLAN
1. Installation
Most WLANs are difficult to setup. Particularly, for people who are inexperienced. It requires some specialist staffs for the installation process. Moreover, special devices are needed to setup the network since WLAN uses access points instead of wires and hubs. This could further increase the expenditure.
2. Speed
A transmission speed of WLAN is slower compared to a wired network due to the fact that it uses radio frequency waves. In most cases, a wireless connection cannot exceed the speed beyond 3Mbps. While a wired connection can easily achieve 100Mbps or more than that. Therefore, WLAN is less recommended in scenarios where speed is a concern.Â
3. Security
Any kind of wireless networks are vulnerable to attacks. Same goes with WLAN as well. Unauthorized users can easily hack the data that is being transferred in WLAN. Therefore, users in WLAN need to ensure maximum security by password protection and other measures.
4. Reliability
A WLAN can be subjected to interferences from various devices. Especially, if there is a electronic devices which uses frequency it is common to experience interferences. Not only electronic devices, even physical structures like walls and ceilings are able to interfere.
5. Area Coverage
Area coverage has always been a problem for wireless networks including WLAN. A WLAN is capable of covering only a limited range. As the user moves away from this range, the signal deteriorates. This a problem for large buildings with more number of users. In such cases, users might experience frequent signal drops or no signal at all.
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