Wired Networks: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Examples

Wired communication involves transmitting data using physical cables or wires. Electrical or optical signals travel through these cables, facilitating data exchange. A wired network consists of various components connected by cables, such as copper wires, fiber optic cables, and twisted pairs.

Let’s dive into some examples, along with the pros and cons of using wired networks.

10 Examples of Wired Networks and Interfaces

Here are 10 common examples of wired networks:

1. Ethernet LAN (Local Area Network): Ethernet is a ubiquitous wired networking technology found in homes and businesses, connecting computers, printers, and other devices. Different Ethernet standards support various cable lengths and types. For example, 10Base5 supports 500m/50 ohm thick coaxial cable, while 10BaseFL supports 2000 meters/fiber.

2. Fiber Optic Network: Fiber optic cables transmit data as light signals at very high speeds over long distances. LEDs and photodiodes are used at the transmitting and receiving ends, respectively. These are commonly used for high-speed internet connections and long-distance communication.

3. Coaxial Cable Network: Coaxial cables are used for cable television (CATV) networks, providing television and internet services to homes and businesses. Different coaxial cables support various characteristic impedances such as 50 Ohm, 75 Ohm, 300 Ohm etc. Common coaxial cable types include RG-58/U, RG-59/U, RG-11/U, RG-214/U, and twin lead.

4. Powerline Network: Powerline networking uses existing electrical wiring in a building to transmit data. It’s often used for extending network connectivity in homes and offices. Power Line Communication (PLC) technologies include X10, INSTEON, HomePlug, Lonworks, and KNX.

5. Telephone Network: Traditional telephone networks use twisted pair copper cables to transmit voice and data. This is also known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).

6. FireWire: FireWire is a high-speed serial bus standard (IEEE 1394) used for connecting devices like camcorders, external hard drives, and audio equipment to computers. Different versions of FireWire offer speeds up to 3200 Mbps and support isochronous real-time data transfer.

7. Thunderbolt: Thunderbolt is a high-speed interface that combines data, video, and power connections. It’s used for connecting peripherals to computers, including monitors and external drives. It supports PCIe drivers, DisplayPort drivers, and power over cable. Thunderbolt supports daisy-chaining for connecting multiple devices (up to 6) on a single cable. Different versions, such as Thunderbolt 1, 2, 3, and 4, offer varying speeds and features.

8. HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a common cable standard used for transmitting audio and video signals between devices like televisions, monitors, and gaming consoles. It’s not used as a networking technology for data communication or internet connectivity like Ethernet or Wi-Fi; HDMI focuses primarily on delivering audio and video content.

9. USB: Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a widely used interface standard for connecting various peripherals and devices to computers and other host systems. While primarily used for data transfer and connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, and external storage devices, it is not a dedicated networking technology.

10. CPRI and eCPRI: Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) and enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) are communication standards used in the telecommunications industry, particularly in mobile networks. They define protocols and specifications for the transmission of digitized radio signals between baseband processing units (BBUs) and remote radio heads (RRHs) or radio units (RUs) in cellular infrastructure.

Other wired interfaces include CAN, RS232, RS485, T1/E1 links, and automotive Ethernet.

Benefits (Advantages) of Wired Networks

• Stability and Reliability: Wired connections are generally more stable and less prone to interference, ensuring consistent network performance. Shielding helps to withstand interference.
• Security: Wired networks are less vulnerable to hacking techniques like eavesdropping and packet sniffing, as physical access is required. The wired connection is more secure unless someone breaks the connection and taps the signal.
• Speed: Wired networks offer higher data rates and faster information transfer.
• Low Latency: Wired networks typically have lower latency (delay) in data transmission, which is crucial for real-time applications.
• Immunity to Interference: Unlike wireless networks, wired connections are not affected by electromagnetic interference from other devices or obstacles like walls.
• Simplicity: Wired networks are relatively simple to configure.
• High Bandwidth: Cables offer higher bandwidth, supporting demanding applications and large file transfers.
• Long Distances: Wired connections can span longer distances without signal degradation, making them suitable for wide area networking.

Drawbacks (Disadvantages) of Wired Networks

• Lack of Mobility: Wired connections do not provide mobility; devices must be physically connected to the network infrastructure.
• Complex Installation: Installing a wired network can be difficult and complex, requiring more time.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and troubleshooting issues in wired networks can be more complex due to their physical nature.
• Infrastructure Requirements: Extending coverage distance requires devices such as amplifiers, regenerators, repeaters, hubs, and switches.
• Physical Damage: There are more chances of physical damage to cables and infrastructure compared to wireless counterparts due to construction activities, rodents, or accidents.
• Maintenance Costs: Wired networks require regular maintenance, adding to operational costs, in addition to higher installation costs compared to wireless networks.
• Limited Scalability: Expanding wired networks to accommodate additional devices or locations can be challenging and may require significant investments in infrastructure.

Conclusion

In summary, the advantages of wired networks include their reliability and stability (less susceptible to interference and offering consistent performance), enhanced security, lower latency, and high data capacity. This makes them ideal for critical and data-intensive applications.

However, the disadvantages are complex installation, less flexibility for movement and changes, and expensive setup and maintenance due to the need for physical infrastructure and cable management.