Explain the advantages and disadvantages of Radiated/Wireless media.
Advantages of Radiated/Wireless Media:
1. Mobility: Radiated/Wireless media provides freedom of mobility as it eliminates the need for cables.
2. Cost-effective: Radiated/Wireless media is less expensive to install and maintain than wired networks.
3. Easy to install: Radiated/Wireless media can be installed with ease and requires minimal maintenance.
4. Flexible: Radiated/Wireless media can accommodate various devices and technologies like smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.
5. Accessible: With Radiated/Wireless media, users can connect to the network from anywhere in the range of the transmission.
Disadvantages of Radiated/Wireless Media:
1. Signal Interference: Radiated/wireless media can experience signal interference from other sources like microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronic devices.
2. Limited range: The range of radiated/wireless media is limited and can affect connectivity when the distance exceeds the acceptable limit.
3. Security risks: Radiated/wireless media is more vulnerable to cyber-attacks as they are visible and accessible to unauthorized users.
4. Slower speeds: Radiated/wireless media can experience slower speeds than wired networks. Data transfer rate is dependent on the distance, interference, and the number of users connected.
5. Reliability and stability: Radiated/wireless media’s connection can be inconsistent and unstable due to signal interference and other environmental factors.
Advantages of Radiated/Wireless Media:
1. Mobility: Radiated or wireless media allows for the transmission of data or signals without the need for physical wires or cables. This provides the freedom and flexibility to access information or communicate from anywhere within the coverage area.
2. Easy Installation: Wireless networks do not require complex installation processes like laying cables, which can save time and resources. Setting up a wireless network generally involves minimal hardware requirements.
3. Scalability: It is relatively easy to expand or modify a wireless network. Adding new devices to the network simply requires configuring them to connect to the existing network.
4. Cost-effective: Wireless networks often require less initial investment compared to wired networks. This is because they eliminate the need for expensive cables, conduits, and other infrastructure required for a wired network.
5. Accessible in remote areas: Radiated media also allows for wireless communication in remote areas where it may be impractical or expensive to lay cables or establish wired infrastructure.
Disadvantages of Radiated/Wireless Media:
1. Limited Range: Wireless signals have a limited range and are susceptible to interference or obstructions such as walls, buildings, or other electronic devices. This can result in reduced coverage or signal strength.
2. Slower Speed: In general, wireless connections tend to be slower than wired connections. Factors such as distance, signal quality, and network congestion can affect the speed and reliability of wireless connections.
3. Security Risks: Wireless networks, if not properly secured, can be susceptible to unauthorized access or hacking. This can potentially compromise sensitive data or expose the network to malicious activities.
4. Interference: Wireless networks operate in a shared frequency spectrum, which can lead to interference from other wireless devices or networks. This interference can degrade signal quality and affect the overall performance of the network.
5. Limited Bandwidth: Compared to wired connections, wireless networks have limited bandwidth capacity. This can result in slower data transfer speeds or congestion when multiple devices are connected to the network simultaneously.
It is worth noting that while wireless media has its advantages and disadvantages, it is continuously evolving and improving with advancements in technology.