WiFi versus Ethernet

Data Transfer

To share data, historically, there are the cables those were used. For computers, the predominant technology is Ethernet. But it went with the big mainframes that can not be moved. Today, we try to make things very smaller and more mobile. For this, it seems obvious that the cables can not run in to the competition. The Wi-Fi wireless technology has arrived. This has many advantages but also has disadvantages.

There is also Bluetooth, which allows exchanges on very small distances (used for mobiles / keyboard / mouse to connect without using cable wire).

Ethernet

To use  the Ethernet technology, it needs at least two network cards and Ethernet RJ45 cable.

RJ45 cable connected to an Ethernet port.

Advantages:

• Data exchange rate is very fast (most common is 100 Mbit / s).
• Permanent connection without interruption (you can play a game without problem.)
• Secure exchange through a cable.
• No Wifi waves and therefore no risk (although this is still not very clear).

Disadvantages:

• This is not mobile.
• Uses cumbersome cables.

WiFi

This technology requires only WiFi card to work.

Advantages:

• Portable, you can connect anywhere.

Disadvantages:

• Theoretical speed is slower (54 Mbps+).
• Distance to the access point is limited.
• Unstable connection (limit for playing a game).
• Has security Issues.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that each technology has its advantages and disadvantages. If you want to play a game, browse or download slowly, it is better to use Ethernet. If you are on a laptop and you want to be wireless, using WiFi.

However, it is clear that Ethernet has a limited scalability compared to its competitor. Indeed, Wi-Fi continues to evolve and new standards appear to trade faster and impressive. In addition, new systems are used to correct safety problems.

The industries that requires a very high speed will never agree with the wireless and still require a physical medium, like fiber optics.

To summarize

• Ethernet is faster and more secure than WiFi.
• WiFi allows you to connect anywhere and evolves more and more.
• Wireless has some security issues with dongles.