Which one to choose: wired or wireless network

This type of wired network offers data transfer speed rates from 10 to 10,000 Mbps, and is best-suited for applications that require short-distance transmission up to 100 m, perfect for small businesses or at-home use.

A great advantage of Ethernet is its reliability. This type of wired networks can be easily expanded by using Ethernet switches allowing multiple devices to be connected to the same network and communicate with each other.

This can be seen in self-service kiosks and terminals, with the help of Teltonika’s TSF010 flat Ethernet switch.

In this case, the PC/HMI, payment terminal, scanner, and ticket printer are all connected to the TSF010 via Ethernet. The Ethernet switch is connected to the TRB140 IoT gateway, resulting in an interconnected network including all devices in the self-service terminal and allowing them to communicate with each other effectively.

Fibre-optic 

A fibre-optic network uses fibre-optic cables, which are thin, flexible strands of glass or plastic used to transmit data through pulses of light.

This technology offers data transfer speed up to 100Gps over long distances with minimal signal degradation.

Fibre-optic networks are renowned for their reliability, security, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for telecommunications, Internet infrastructure, and cloud computing.

The capability to transfer data over long distances is useful in a solar farms and solar energy solutions. In this case, solar panels are distributed over a large area, which makes connecting them with an Ethernet cable practically impossible.

Luckily, the TSW210 industrial Ethernet switch has two SFP ports for long range fibre-optic communication.

The TSW210 is a plug-and-play Ethernet switch, meaning that no additional configuration is needed for its deployment, so a fleet of TSW210 managed switches, connecting them among each other and the TRB256 industrial NB-IoT gateway is an easy and not complicated network solution.

What is a wireless network?

While wired networks rely on physical connections, wireless networks allow devices to connect and communicate without the need for cables. These networks leverage radio waves or infrared signals to transmit data, offering a degree of freedom and flexibility that wired networks can’t match. There are three main types of wireless networks: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular network.

A few wireless technologies

Cellular connectivity

Cellular networks are high-speed, high-capacity data communication networks with enhanced multimedia and seamless roaming capabilities for supporting cellular devices. In cellular networks, the service area is divided into small regions called cells, that enable widespread and efficient mobile phone connectivity by allowing devices to connect to the nearest cell tower, which then routes calls and data through the network.

Wi-Fi

Let’s not forget Wi-Fi mesh technology! It's used to fix dead spots in the Wi-Fi coverage emerging due to weak or no wireless network signal at all.

The technology of Wi-Fi mesh and compatible networking devices can distribute Wi-Fi signals throughout your entire building by creating internal communication between network endpoints.

A great example of Wi-Fi technology in action is demonstrated while digitalising laundromat services with the RUT241 Wi-Fi router. Our partner has created a mobile app that can be accessed via Wi-Fi, through which clients can pay conveniently, book washing machines online, and check the time left for their laundry to be done.

Wi-Fi networks use radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections to devices within a specific coverage area. The RUT241 router, acts as a hub that broadcast its Internet signal to all Wi-Fi enabled devices. With integrated hotspot functionality, the router creates a wireless Internet access point for up to 50 simultaneous connections, helping clients to enjoy their struggle-free laundry day.

Bluetooth

There are different types of Bluetooth technologies, including Classic Bluetooth and BLE.

Classic Bluetooth is a short-range wireless LAN technology for connecting small devices and gadgets together and facilitating data transfer among themselves in the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, standardised by IEEE 802.15.

BLE is similar to Classic Bluetooth. It is a short-range wireless LAN communication technology, standardised as IEEE 802.15 and operating in the 2.4 GHz bandwidth.

The major distinguishing feature of BLE is its low power consumption while maintaining the same communication range as Classic Bluetooth

BLE was used by our Chilean partner, Mantys.app, in its cold chain temperature monitoring system. Our partner provides an SaaS application for its clients, allowing them to remotely monitor their cold chain equipment in real-time from any location and on any device. The star of this network solution is the Teltonika’s RUTX11 industrial cellular router.

A single router is deployed to the premises of each client and facilitates communication with up to 200 BLE-enabled sensors. The RUTX11 then collects the data from the temperature and humidity monitoring sensors installed in those premises and transmits it via the MQTT protocol to Mantys’s cloud server, where it is stored for end-user management and visualisation.

Wired strengths

One of the main benefits of a wired network is speed. Wired connections typically offer faster data transfer speeds than wireless connections, since cables are capable of transmitting more data at faster speeds than most of the wireless technology.

Wired networks aren’t accessible for devices external to those networks, making it less likely for users outside your network to connect. Resultantly, when properly installed, these networks are highly reliable.

Wireless strengths

One of the main advantages of wireless networks are mobility and ease of access. Users can access the network from anywhere in the network reach. For instance, employees can access company equipment while also having wireless internet connection to their private devices.

The cost of setting up a wireless network is significantly lower compared to installing a wired network. The hardware is typically much cheaper, and you avoid much of the labour costs associated with complex cabling jobs. Moreover, wireless hardware typically isn’t exposed to the wear and tear of cabling, so it tends to last far longer.

Also, wireless connectivity such as wide-area applications can connect computers and networks across large geographical distances, often spanning cities, countries, or even continents. WANs utilise technologies like leased lines, satellite links, and the Internet to facilitate communication and data exchange between remote locations, making them essential for large businesses and global connectivity.

So… which one is better?

Well, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on your networking solution, needs, and wishes. We hope that you now have a better understanding about wired and wireless network. And if you’re still confused, conflicted, and all wired up – contact us and let’s solve it together!