What is a wireless network? What is the difference between a wireless network and a wired network? A wireless network allows devices to stay connected to the network but roam without any wires. Access points amplify Wi-Fi signals, so a device can stay away from the router and stay connected to the network. When you connect to a Wi-Fi access point in a cafe, hotel, airport lounge, or another public place, you are connecting to that company’s wireless network.
A wired network uses cables to connect devices, such as laptops or desktop computers, to the Internet or another network. A wired network has some disadvantages when compared to a wireless network. The biggest downside is that the device is connected to a router. The most common wired networks use cables connected at one end to an Ethernet port on the network router and at the other end to a computer or other device.
Previously, wired networks were believed to be faster and more secure than wireless networks. However, continuous improvements in wireless networking technology, such as the Wi-Fi 6 networking standard, have lessened the differences in speed and security between wired and wireless networks.
Businesses can reap many benefits from a Cisco wireless network, including:
To build your wireless network, you can choose from three deployment types: centralized deployment converged deployment and cloud deployment. Need help figuring out what type of deployment is best for your business? Talk to an expert.
This is the most common type of wireless networking system. Centralized deployments are traditionally used on campuses, where buildings and networks are close together. This deployment consolidates the wireless network, making upgrades easier and enabling advanced wireless functionality. The controllers are local and centrally installed.
For small campuses or branch offices, converged deployments provide consistency across wired and wireless connections. The deployment converges wired and wireless connectivity into a single network device, which is an access switch and doubles as a wireless switch and controller.
This system uses the cloud to manage network devices deployed locally in different places. The solution requires Cisco Meraki cloud-managed devices, which provide full network visibility through dashboards.