- Related links
- Is Wi-Fi bad for You?
Why not Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems which enables connection to the internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities. Wi-Fi networks broadcast electromagnetic waves such as radio waves that can be picked up by Wi-Fi receivers that are attached to different computers or equipment.
Although wireless connections offer more mobility, they can suffer from a number of different deficiencies:
- Interference that might block the
radio signals from passing through - this can be caused by nearby
networks using the same frequencies or the location and type of
building structures such as walls, windows, stairwells and ceilings
- all of these physical obstructions can block or impede the
wireless signal as well as the dispersity of a site.
- Weaker security as broadcasting signals can be broken into. Many networks offer WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy - security systems which have been found to be vulnerable to intrusion. Though WEP does block some intruders, the security problems have caused some businesses to reject the wireless route.
- Limited bandwidth restricts the
number of users who can be on the network simultaneously with
overloading the capacity resulting in problems such as packet loss,
timeouts, or loss of connectivity. By additing extra wirelss
devices to increase the coverage area of the network, you lose
total bandwidth availability for each user, which is especially
critical with the processing of high bandwidth applications such as
VoWi-Fi or streaming media.
- Compatibility issues - different components not made by the same company may not work together.
- Slower connection speeds than those that are directly connected through an Ethernet cable.
More recently, there have been a number of concerns raised about the health risks associated with the transmission of so much radio frequency - refer to articles attached for more information.
