Advantages and disadvantages of LAN cable

Even though wireless technology has its set of benefits, many users prefer using LAN cables due to their reliability and high data transfer rate. Let us look at some more advantages and disadvantages of LAN cables.

Local Area Networks (LAN) is a networking system that involves connecting various devices and other peripherals in a small restricted area, like a home or office. As a privately-owned network, it allows connected devices to share information and resources like printers, scanners, and file servers. A LAN consists of access points, cables, routers, switches, and other components that allow devices to connect to web servers, internal servers, and other LANs through Wide Area Networks (WANs). However, LAN cabling has several advantages and disadvantages that you need to know before installing them into your network.

Advantages of LAN cabling

A stable relationship between the connected devices

Local Area Networks are a collection of connected devices within one physical location. Whether as an enterprise or home network, this type of connection can connect thousands of devices and users. Depending on your connectivity needs, there are two types of LANs; the client/server LAN and the peer-to-peer LAN.

A client/server LAN consists of several devices that act as the client connected to a central server. In turn, the central server is responsible for allowing application access, device access, and manages file storage and network traffic. A client is any connected device that has access or runs applications on the internet through the network.

On the other hand, peer-to-peer LANs are typically smaller and cannot handle heavy tasks like client/server LANs. In this type of network configuration, each device has similar functions on the network. The connected devices share resources and data through a router or switches on a wireless or wired connection. Such type of networking is common in home networks.

However, each type of LAN supports a stable relationship between its connected devices as users can share movies, audio files, and other data easily. It is also easy to manage, and devices can communicate easily to each other

Easy sharing of resources

LANs allow easy access to any peripheral devices connected to the network by connected devices. If a computer system needs to use a resource like printers, DVD drives, scanners, hard drives, and modems, it has access to it, meaning there is no need to purchase separate resources.

More so, you may opt to use CAT6a cabling, which consumes a considerably low amount of power when providing access to such resources. As a result, users save money and can easily install the resources to the network using this cable.

Security

Unlike wireless connections which are prone to attacks, LAN cabling ensures there is a lesser chance of data corruption or any other security threat. The network is easy to manage, and you can easily prevent a user from gaining access, especially if you are using the client/server LAN model.

Similarly, it is quite easy to update the installed security measures in this network. However, data on this network can be compromised if a hacker gains physical access to the network through a visible and unused LAN port.

Consistent and efficient speeds

LAN cabling provides its connected devices with faster data transmission speeds than wireless networks. Connected devices can easily attain a maximum data transfer rate of10-100Gbps, especially with the latest twisted-pair cables.

More so, this type of connection is not prone to any interruptions from radiofrequency. As a result, there are fewer disconnections and slow speeds on such networks. There is also enough bandwidth for connected devices, ensuring the high-speed performance of the cables.

Disadvantages of LAN cables

Limited mobility

Users of LANs face physical limitations as they cannot roam freely when connected through the cable. As a result, the user has to sit in a specific spot, unlike wireless connections that allow users to move from one place to another.

LANs are ideal for stationary devices, like desktops, PCs, and gaming consoles, as they do not move when in use. If you want to use a mobile device, wireless networks are a better option.

The function of one server affects the function of the other devices

If the central server in a LAN has corrupted files, it will create an issue and cause dysfunction of all other connected devices. Similarly, in a peer-to-peer LAN, if one device is faulty, the other devices will continue functioning until it reaches the defective device.

Expensive

A LAN network requires various cables, routers, switches, and hubs to function correctly. Likewise, there is special software the central server requires to perform its role efficiently. All these components are quite expensive to purchase. Installation of the system also requires a professional’s assistance to connect all the cables, ports, and switches together. More so, you can only connect one computer at a time in this network. If you need more connections, you have to purchase more cabling.

Conclusion

LANs are quite reliable and convenient networks for small areas. Once you choose to install this type of network, it is best to use high-quality components to ensure they last for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

 What does an Ethernet cable do?

Ethernet cables connect various wired devices together in a local network to allow them internet access and file sharing.

Will an Ethernet cable provide better video quality than Wi-Fi?

Due to Wi-Fi’s variable signal strength, Ethernet cables will inevitably offer a better video quality.