Introduction of wireless Link in Terminal Automation at HPCL Loni.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation limited having one of its gas plant at Loni,
Ghaziabad, which was automated by M/S Honeywell Automation India Ltd.
In 2001-2002.

Automation in Plant is working fine over LAN connectivity suddenly one

Ethernet Cable between control room to planning room got damaged/break.

In addition to above I would like to introduce that distance between control

rooms and planning room is more than 200 meters with 50 meters hard RCC
platforms in between. And hence replacement of faulty Ethernet cable was a
big project and very typical against all HPCL and Honeywell team.

Suddenly one great idea of wireless communication clicked, while testing

the same it was found ok and lots of advantage over wired LAN/optic fibre
cable link . Then it finalized to have wireless link instead of wired link.
A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in
a limited geographical area such as home, school, computer laboratory, office
building, or closely positioned group of buildings. Each computer or device on the
network is a node. Current wired LANs are most likely to be based on Ethernet
technology, although new standards like ITU-T G.hn also provide a way to create
a wired LAN using existing home wires (coaxial cables, phone lines and power
lines)

Wired technologies

• Twisted pair: wire is the most widely used medium for telecommunication.
Twisted-pair wires are ordinary telephone wires which consist of two
insulated copper wires twisted into pairs and are used for both voice and
data transmission. The use of two wires twisted together helps to reduce
crosstalk and electromagnetic induction. The transmission speed ranges
from 2 million bits per second to 100 million bits per second.

• Coaxial cable: is widely used for cable television systems, office buildings,
and other worksites for local area networks. The cables consist of copper
or aluminum wire wrapped with insulating layer typically of a flexible
material with a high dielectric constant, all of which are surrounded by a
conductive layer. The layers of insulation help minimize interference and
distortion. Transmission speed range from 200 million to more than 500
million bits per second.

• Optical fiber cable: consists of one or more filaments of glass fiber

wrapped in protective layers. It transmits light which can travel over
extended distances without signal loss. Fiber-optic cables are not affected
by electromagnetic radiation. Transmission speed may reach trillions of
 bits per second. The transmission speed of fiber optics is hundreds of
times faster than for coaxial cables and thousands of times faster than for
twisted-pair wire.

Although wired LAN has great connectivity and reliability but situation may be the
different as follows;

• span a distance beyond the capabilities of typical cabling,

• need to provide a backup communications link in case of normal
network failure without delaying of 15 – 20 days.
• To link portable or temporary workstations,
• To overcome situations where normal cabling is difficult or
financially impractical, or
• To remotely connect mobile users or networks.

To overcome these situations, favor was already given to wireless technology but
recently it was not so much reliable. Now after so many changes and revisions
and after adding new technologies its become a reliable source of networking to
think beyond the wired LAN and also having great connectivity options ( up to
1GBPS is available in market and up to 3GBPS is upcoming in market.) with
great security feature compare to wired LAN.

Wireless communication is the transfer of information over a distance without

the use of enhanced electrical conductors or "wires” The distances involved may
be short (a few meters as in television remote control) or long (thousands or
millions of kilometers for radio communications). When the context is clear, the
term is often shortened to "wireless". Wireless communication is generally
considered to be a branch of telecommunications.
Wireless Network
The bridge provides connectivity to the wireless network for wired machines in remote locations.

Introduction

Wireless operations permits services, such as long range communications, that

are impossible or impractical to implement with the use of wires. The term is
commonly used in the telecommunications industry to refer to
telecommunications systems (e.g. radio transmitters and receivers, remote
controls, computer networks, network terminals, etc.) which use some form of
energy (e.g. radiofrequency (RF), infrared light, laser light, visible light, acoustic
energy, etc.) to transfer information without the use of wires. Information is
transferred in this manner over both short and long distances.i.e. the various
types of unlicensed 2.4 GHz WiFi devices) is used to meet many needs. Perhaps
the most common use is to connect laptop users who travel from location to
location. Another common use is for mobile networks that connect via satellite. A
wireless transmission method is a logical choice to network a LAN segment that
must frequently change locations. The following situations justify the use of
wireless technology:

• To span a distance beyond the capabilities of typical cabling,

• To provide a backup communications link in case of normal network
failure,
• To link portable or temporary workstations,
• To overcome situations where normal cabling is difficult or
financially impractical, or
• To remotely connect mobile users or networks.
Applications may involve, point to point communication, point-to-multipoint
communication, broadcasting, cellular networks and other.

Point to point communications is a term that is used in the

telecommunications fields which refer to communications which is accomplished
via a specific and distinct type of single point connection.
Point-to-multipoint communication is a term that is used in the
telecommunications field which refers to communication which is accomplished
via a specific and distinct type of multipoint connection, providing multiple paths
from a single location to multiple locations

Wireless Distribution System :

WDS is a system that enables the wireless interconnection of access points. It

allows a wireless network to be expanded using multiple access points without
the need for a wired backbone to link them, as is traditionally required. The
notable advantage of WDS over other solutions is that it preserves the MAC
addresses of client frames across links between access points

An access point can be either a main, relay or remote base station. A main base
station is typically connected to the wired Ethernet. A relay base station relays
data between remote base stations, wireless clients or other relay stations to
either a main or another relay base station. A remote base station accepts
connections from wireless clients and passes them on to relay or main stations.
Connections between "clients" are made using MAC addresses rather than by
specifying IP assignments.

All base stations in a Wireless Distribution System must be configured to use the
same radio channel, method of encryption (none, WEP, or WPA) and encryption
keys. They can be configured to different service set identifiers (Known as SSI).
WDS also requires that every base station be configured to forward to others in
the system.

WDS may also be referred to as repeater mode because it appears to bridge and
accept wireless clients at the same time (unlike traditional bridging). It should be
noted; however, that throughput in this method is halved for all clients connected
wirelessly.

WDS can be used to provide two modes of wireless AP-to-AP connectivity:

• Wireless Bridging in which WDS APs communicate only with each other
and don't allow wireless clients or Stations (STA) to access them
• Wireless Repeating in which APs communicate with each other and with
wireless STAs

Two disadvantages to using WDS are:

• The maximum wireless effective throughput is halved after the first

retransmission (hop) that is made. For example, in the case of two routers
connected via WDS, and communication is made between a computer
that is plugged into router A and a laptop that is connected wirelessly
using router B's access point, the throughput is halved, because router B
has to retransmit the information during the communication of the two
sides. However, in the case of communications between a computer that
is plugged into router A and a computer that is plugged into router B, the
throughput is not halved since there is no need to retransmit the
information. ( Note: This one not covered in case of terminal
Automation System or in plant operation)
• Dynamically assigned and rotated encryption keys are usually not
supported in a WDS connection. This means that dynamic Wi-Fi Protected
Access (WPA) and other dynamic key assignment technology in most
cases can not be used, though WPA using pre-shared keys is possible.
 This is due to the lack of standardization in this field, which may be
resolved with the upcoming 802.11s standard. As a result only static WEP
or WPA keys may be used in a WDS connection, including any STAs that
associate to a WDS repeating AP.

Recent Apple base and some other brands stations allow WDS with WPA,
though in some cases firmware updates are required. Firmware for the Renasis
SAP36g Super Access Point and most third party firmware for the Linksys
WRT54G(S)/GL support AES encryption using WPA2-PSK Mixed Mode security,
and TKIP encryption using WPA-PSK, while operating in WDS mode. However,
this mode may not be compatible with other units running stock or alternate
firmware.

Wireless Router Application Platform:

Operating System

The WRAP is capable of running many different operating systems, including

various Linux distributions, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, as well as proprietary
OSes. The WRAP lacks a keyboard controller (for obvious reasons), so some
OSes that rely on one for the boot process may have to be modified

Wireless Bridge:

A wireless bridge is a hardware component used to connect two or more

network segments (LANs or parts of a LAN) which are physically and logically (by
protocol) separated. It does not necessarily always need to be a hardware
device, as some operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and
FreeBSD) provide software to bridge different protocols. This is seen commonly
in protocols over wireless to cable. So in a
Many wireless routers and wireless access points offer either a "bridge" mode or
a "repeater" mode, both of which perform a similar common function. The
difference being the bridge mode connects to different protocol types and the
repeater modes relays the same protocol type. Wireless routers, access points,
and bridges are available that are compliant with the IEEE802.11a, b, g and n
standards. The frequency bands for these wireless standards can be used
license-free in most countries.

Wireless bridge devices work in pairs (point-to-point), one on each side of the
"bridge". However, there can be many simultaneous "bridges" using one central
device (point to multipoint).[3]

Bridging can be via WDS (Wireless Distribution System) which creates a

transparent Level 2 wireless bridge between 2 or more points. Alternately the
bridge can be setup as an Access Point / Client relationship which requires the
wireless devices used for the bridge to be set to the same service set identifier
(SSID).

An example of a point to point bridge application connecting two commercial

buildings. An example of a combination point to point bridge and point to
multipoint application connecting multiple farm buildings.

Bridging has historically referred to propagation of data across a device without

traversing a network stack, such as TCP/IP. Wireless bridging is a colloquial
term. A more accurate description of connecting two local area networks would
be a Wireless LAN to LAN Bridge. The distinction is important. While a device
may not support bridging to a remote wireless access point to connect two LANs,
it may be desirable (and supported) that a wireless access point support true
bridging; where packets traverse from a wireless to wired network without
passing through an internal protocol stack, firewall or other network abstraction.
Two bridged networks could be treated as parts of a single subnet under Internet
Protocol (IP). A wireless client would be able to make a DHCP request from a
wired server if the wired and wireless networks were bridged. In the ISO OSI
model, a device in which packets traverse the network layer is considered a
router; a device in which packets traverse the data link layer only is considered a
bridge.

A wireless router is a device that performs the functions of a router but also
includes the functions of a wireless access point. It is commonly used to allow
access to the Internet or a computer network without the need for a cabled
connection. It can function in a wired LAN (local area network), a wireless only
LAN, or a mixed wired/wireless network. Most current wireless routers have the
following characteristics:

A wireless router is a device that performs the functions of a router but also
includes the functions of a wireless access point. It is commonly used to allow
access to the Internet or a computer network without the need for a cabled
connection. It can function in a wired LAN (local area network), a wireless only
LAN or a mixed wired/wireless network. Most current wireless routers have
thefollowing characteristics:

• LAN ports, which function in the same manner as the ports of a network
switch
• A WAN port, to connect to a wide area network, typically one with Internet
access. External destinations are accessed using this port. If it is not used,
many functions of the router will be bypassed.
• Wireless antennae. These allow connections from other wireless devices
(NICs (network interface cards), wireless repeaters, wireless access
points, and wireless bridges, for example), usually using the Wi-Fi
standard

Security

• One issue with corporate wireless networks in general, and WLANs in

particular, involves the need for security. Many early access points could
not discern whether or not a particular user had authorization to access
the network. Although this problem reflects issues that have long troubled
many types of wired networks (it has been possible in the past for
individuals to plug computers into randomly available Ethernet jacks and
get access to a local network), this did not usually pose a significant
problem, since many organizations had reasonably good physical security.
However, the fact that radio signals bleeds outside of buildings and across
property lines makes physical security largely irrelevant to Piggybackers.

There are three principal ways to secure a wireless network.

• For closed networks (like home users and organizations) the most
common way is to configure access restrictions in the access points.
Those restrictions may include encryption and checks on MAC address.
Another option is to disable ESSID broadcasting, making the access point
 difficult for outsiders to detect. Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems can
be used to provide wireless LAN security in this network model.
• For commercial providers, hotspots, and large organizations, the preferred
solution is often to have an open and unencrypted, but completely isolated
wireless network. The users will at first have no access to the Internet nor
to any local network resources. Commercial providers usually forward all
web traffic to a captive portal which provides for payment and/or
authorization. Another solution is to require the users to connect securely
to a privileged network using VPN.
• Wireless networks are less secure than wired ones; in many offices
intruders can easily visit and hook up their own computer to the wired
network without problems, gaining access to the network, and it's also
often possible for remote intruders to gain access to the network through
backdoors like Back Orifice. One general solution may be end-to-end
encryption, with independent authentication on all resources that shouldn't
be available to the public.

Access Control at the Access Point level

One of the simplest techniques is to only allow access from known, approved
MAC addresses. However, this approach gives no security against sniffing, and
client devices can easily spoof MAC addresses, leading to the need for more
advanced security measures.

Another very simple technique is to have a secret ESSID (id/name of the wireless
network), though anyone who studies the method will be able to sniff the ESSID.

Today all (or almost all) access points incorporate Wired Equivalent Privacy
(WEP) encryption and most wireless routers are sold with WEP turned on.
However, security analysts have criticized WEP's inadequacies, and the U.S. FBI
has demonstrated the ability to break WEP protection in only three minutes using
tools available to the general public.

The Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) security protocols were later
created to address these problems. If a weak password, such as a dictionary
word or short character string is used, WPA and WPA2 can be cracked. Using a
long enough random password (e.g. 14 random letters) or passphrase (e.g. 5
randomly chosen words) makes pre-shared key WPA virtually uncrackable. The
second generation of the WPA security protocol (WPA2) is based on the final
IEEE 802.11i amendment to the 802.11 standard and is eligible for FIPS 140-2
compliance. With all those encryption schemes, any client in the network that
knows the keys can read all the traffic.

Restricted access networks

Solutions include a newer system for authentication, IEEE 802.1x, that promises
to enhance security on both wired and wireless networks. Wireless access points
that incorporate technologies like these often also have routers built in, thus
becoming wireless gateways.

End-to-End encryption

One can argue that both layer 2 and layer 3 encryption methods are not good
enough for protecting valuable data like passwords and personal emails. Those
technologies add encryption only to parts of the communication path, still
allowing people to spy on the traffic if they have gained access to the wired
network somehow.

Open Access Points

Today, there is almost full wireless network coverage in many urban areas - the
infrastructure for the wireless community network (which some consider to be the
future of the internet) is already in place. One could roam around and always be
connected to Internet if the nodes were open to the public, but due to security
concerns, most nodes are encrypted and the users don't know how to disable
encryption. Many people consider it proper etiquette to leave access points open
to the public, allowing free access to Internet. Others think the default encryption
provides substantial protection at small inconvenience, against dangers of open
access that they fear may be substantial even on a home DSL router.

The density of access points can even be a problem - there are a limited number
of channels available, and they partly overlap. Each channel can handle multiple
networks, but places with many private wireless networks (for example,
apartment complexes), the limited number of Wi-Fi radio channels might cause
slowness and other problems.

According to the advocates of Open Access Points, it shouldn't involve any

significant risks to open up wireless networks for the public:

• The wireless network is after all confined to a small geographical area. A

computer connected to the Internet and having improper configurations or
other security problems can be exploited by anyone from anywhere in the
world, while only clients in a small geographical range can exploit an open
wireless access point. Thus the exposure is low with an open wireless
access point, and the risks with having an open wireless network are
small. However, one should be aware that an open wireless router will
give access to the local network, often including access to file shares and
printers.
• The only way to keep communication truly secure is to use end-to-end
encryption. For example, when accessing an internet bank, one would
almost always use strong encryption from the web browser and all the way
to the bank - thus it shouldn't be risky to do banking over an unencrypted
wireless network. The argument is that anyone can sniff the traffic applies
to wired networks too, where system administrators and possible crackers
 have access to the links and can read the traffic. Also, anyone knowing
the keys for an encrypted wireless network can gain access to the data
being transferred over the network.
• If services like file shares, access to printers etc. are available on the local
net, it is advisable to have authentication (i.e. by password) for accessing
it (one should never assume that the private network is not accessible
from the outside). Correctly set up, it should be safe to allow access to the
local network to outsiders.
• With the most popular encryption algorithms today, a sniffer will usually be
able to compute the network key in a few minutes.
• It is very common to pay a fixed monthly fee for the Internet connection,
and not for the traffic - thus extra traffic will not hurt.
• Where Internet connections are plentiful and cheap, freeloaders will
seldom be a prominent nuisance.

On the other hand, in some countries including Germany [1], persons providing an
open access point may be made (partially) liable for any illegal activity conducted
via this access point.

Introduction to the Wireless LAN Adapters:

The Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters, also referred to as adapters,
are radio modules that provide transparent, wireless, data communications
between fixed, portable, or mobile devices and other wireless devices or a wired
network infrastructure. The adapters are fully compatible when used in devices
supporting Plug-and-Play (PnP) technology. Host devices can be any device
equipped with a PC Card Type II or Type III slot. These devices include:

• Desktop systems

• Portable laptops
• Notebook computers

• Personal digital assistants

• Pen based computers

• Other data collection devices

The primary function of the adapters is to transfer data packets

transparently through the wireless infrastructure. The adapters operate
similarly to a standard network product except that the cable is replaced
with a radio connection. No special wireless networking functions are
required, and all existing applications that operate over a network can
operate using the adapters.

The PC Card can also be built into peripheral devices such as printers to provide
them with a transparent wireless connection to a wired network.
This document covers three types of adapters:

• PC card client adapter (also referred to as a PC card)—A PCMCIA card radio

module that can be inserted into any device equipped with an external Type II or
Type III PC card slot. Host devices can include laptops, notebook computers,
personal digital assistants, and hand-held or portable devices.

• LM card client adapter (also referred to as an LM card)—A PCMCIA card

radio module that can be inserted into any device equipped with an internal Type
II or Type III PC card slot. Host devices usually include hand-held or portable
devices.

• PCI client adapter—a client adapter card radio module that can be inserted
into any device equipped with an empty PCI expansion slot, such as a desktop
computer.

Refer to the "Radio Antenna" section for antenna differences between these
adapters.

Terminology

Throughout this document, these terms are used:

• client adapter—Refers to all three types of adapters

• PC card, LM card, or PCI client adapter—refers only to a specific adapter

• workstation (or station)—Refers to a computing device with an installed client
adapter

• End Node—A client node that is located at the end of the Network Tree.

• Infrastructure. — The wireless infrastructure is the communications system

that combines access points, mobile nodes, and fixed nodes. Access points
within the infrastructure can be either root units, which are physically wired to the
LAN backbone, or can act as wireless repeaters. Other RF enabled devices
serve as fixed nodes or mobile client nodes.

• Parent/Child Node—Refers to the relationships between nodes in the

wireless infrastructure. The complete set of relationships is sometimes described
as a network tree. For example, the access point (at the top of the tree) would be
the parent of the end nodes. Conversely, the end nodes would be the children of
the access point.

• Power Saving Protocol (PSP) and Non-Power Saving Protocol—The Power

Saving Protocol allows computers (usually portable computers) to power up only
part of the time to conserve energy. If a client node is using the Power Saving
Protocol to communicate with the network, the access point must be aware of
this mode and implement additional features such as message store and
forward. If the client node is powered from an AC line, do not use PSP.

• Repeater— A repeater is an access point that extends the radio range of the
infrastructure. A repeater is not physically attached to the wired LAN, but
communicates through radio to another access point, which is either a root unit
or another repeater.

• Root Unit. — The root unit is an access point that is located at the top, or
starting point, of a wireless infrastructure. A root unit provides the physical
connection to the wired LAN and contains configuration information in its
association table that covers all nodes that access the wired network (backbone).
All access points directly attached to the wired LAN backbone are root units.

Parts of the Client Adapter

The client adapter is composed of three major parts: a radio, a radio antenna,
and two LEDs.

Radio

The client adapter contains a direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) radio

that operates in the 2.4-GHz license-free Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band.
The radio transmits data over a half-duplex radio channel operating at up to 11
Mbps.

DSSS technology causes radio signals to be transmitted over a wide frequency

range, using multiple frequencies simultaneously. The benefit of this technology
is its ability to protect the data transmission from interference. For example, if a
particular frequency encounters noise, interference, or both, enough redundancy
is built into the signal on other frequencies that the client adapter usually is
successful in its transmission.

Radio Antenna

The type of antenna used depends on your client adapter:

• PC cards have an integrated, permanently attached diversity antenna. The

benefit of the diversity antenna system is improved coverage. The system works
by allowing the card to switch and sample between its two antenna ports in order
to select the optimum port for receiving data packets. As a result, the card has a
better chance of maintaining the radio frequency (RF) connection in areas of
interference. The antenna is located within the section of the card that protrudes
from the PC card slot when the card is installed.
Fig: Typical wireless Installation diagram

• LM cards are shipped without an antenna; however, an antenna can be

connected through the card's external connector. If a snap-on antenna is used, it
should be operated in diversity mode. Otherwise, the antenna mode used should
correspond to the antenna port to which the antenna is connected.

• PCI client adapters are shipped with a 2-dBi dipole antenna that attaches to
the adapter's antenna connector. However, other types of antennas can be used.
PCI adapters can be operated only through the antenna port located on the right
side of the radio module (not to be confused with the antenna connector on the
card carrier).

LEDs

The adapter has two LEDs that glow or blink to show the status of the adapter or
to convey error messages.

Radio Ranges

Because of differences in component configuration, placement, and physical

environment, every network application is a unique installation. Before installing
the system, you should perform a site survey in order to determine the optimum
utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage, and
network performance.

Here are some operating and environmental conditions that you need to
consider:

• Data Rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates.
The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. There is
a decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity as the radio data rate increases.
• Antenna Type and Placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical
factor in maximizing radio range. As a general guide, range increases in
proportion to antenna height.

• Physical Environments—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than

closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater
the range.

• Obstructions— Avoid locating the computing device and antenna in a location

where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving antennas.

• Building Materials—Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building

material used in construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater
range than concrete blocks. Metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio
signals.

Link Test

The link test tool is used to determine RF coverage. The test results help the
installer eliminate low RF signal level area that can result in loss of connection.

Data Transparency and Protocols

The Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapter transports data packets transparently
as they move through the wireless infrastructure. The PC Card operates similarly
to a standard network product except that the wire is replaced with a radio
connection. No special wireless networking functions are required. All existing
applications, which operate over a network, operate using the Cisco Aironet
Wireless LAN Adapter.

Protocols Supported

The Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter can be used in a variety of
infrastructure configurations. Cisco Aironet access points provide connections to
Ethernet Networks. When using the Cisco Aironet standard device drivers, the
PC Card is fully compliant with the protocols and wired networks listed in Table

Table 1-1 Protocols Supported

Drivers Operating Systems
ODI MS-DOS-based driver for Novell NetWare .
NDIS2 MS-DOS, Windows 3.xx
Packet MS-DOS, Windows 3.xx

Security Features

The Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter employs Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum Technology, previously developed for military anti-jamming
and low probability of intercept radio systems.

The access point must be set to the same SSID as all other devices on the
wireless infrastructure. Units with a different SSID cannot directly communicate
with each other.

System Configurations

The Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter can be used in a variety of
network system configurations. Access points provide connections to your
Ethernet networks or act as repeaters increasing wireless communication range.
The maximum communication range is based on how you configure your
wireless infrastructure.

Examples of some common system configurations are shown on the pages that
follow, along with a description of each.

Ad Hoc Wireless LAN

An ad hoc wireless LAN is the simplest wireless LAN configuration. In a wireless
LAN, using an ad hoc network operating system (such as Windows for
Workgroups), all devices equipped with the PC Card can be linked together and
communicate directly with each other

Wireless Infrastructure with Workstations Accessing a Wired LAN

A micro-cellular network can be created by placing two or more access points on

a LAN. The roaming protocols allow remote workstations to move from one
microcell domain to another. The process is seamless and transparent. The
connection to the file server or host is maintained without disruption. This
configuration is useful with portable or mobile stations, allowing them to be
directly connected to the wired network even while moving about (roaming).
When an infrastructure is configured by using multiple access points and
repeaters, a mobile station is automatically associated and re-associated to the
access point which provides the best performance. This is referred to as
seamless roaming.

Typical diagram for Wireless Infrastructure with Workstations Accessing a Wired

LAN
Comparison:
Computer networks for the home and small business can be built using either
wired or wireless technology. Wired Ethernet has been the traditional choice in
homes, but Wi-Fi wireless technologies are gaining ground fast. Both wired and
wireless can claim advantages over the other; both represent viable options for
home and other local area networks (LANs).
Below we compare wired and wireless networking in five key areas:

• ease of installation
• total cost
• reliability
• performance
• security

About Wired LANs

Wired LANs use Ethernet cables and network adapters. Although two computers
can be directly wired to each other using an Ethernet crossover cable, wired
LANs generally also require central devices like hubs, switches, or routers to
accommodate more computers.
For dial-up connections to the Internet, the computer hosting the modem must
run Internet Connection Sharing or similar software to share the connection with
all other computers on the LAN. Broadband routers allow easier sharing of cable
modem or DSL Internet connections, plus they often include built-in firewall
support.

Installation

Ethernet cables must be run from each computer to another computer or to the
central device. It can be time-consuming and difficult to run cables under the floor
or through walls, especially when computers sit in different rooms. Some newer
homes are pre-wired with CAT5 cable, greatly simplifying the cabling process
and minimizing unsightly cable runs.
After hardware installation, the remaining steps in configuring either wired or
wireless LANs do not differ much. Both rely on standard Internet Protocol and
network operating system configuration options. Laptops and other portable
devices often enjoy greater mobility in wireless home network installations (at
least for as long as their batteries allow).

Cost

Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are very inexpensive. Some connection
sharing software packages, like ICS, are free; some cost a nominal fee.
Broadband routers cost more, but these are optional components of a wired LAN,
and their higher cost is offset by the benefit of easier installation and built-in
security features.
Reliability

Ethernet cables, hubs and switches are extremely reliable, mainly because
manufacturers have been continually improving Ethernet technology over several
decades. Loose cables likely remain the single most common and annoying
source of failure in a wired network. When installing a wired LAN or moving any
of the components later, be sure to carefully check the cable connections.
Broadband routers have also suffered from some reliability problems in the past.
Unlike other Ethernet gear, these products are relatively new, multi-function
devices. Broadband routers have matured over the past several years and their
reliability has improved greatly.

Performance

Wired LANs offer superior performance. A traditional Ethernet connection offer

only 10 Mbps bandwidth, but 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet technology costs little
more and is readily available. Although 100 Mbps represents a theoretical
maximum performance never really achieved in practice, Fast Ethernet should be
sufficient for home file sharing, gaming, and high-speed Internet access for many
years into the future.
Wired LANs utilizing hubs can suffer performance slowdown if computers heavily
utilize the network simultaneously. Use Ethernet switches instead of hubs to
avoid this problem; a switch costs little more than a hub.

Security

For any wired LAN connected to the Internet, firewalls are the primary security
consideration. Wired Ethernet hubs and switches do not support firewalls.
However, firewall software products like Zone Alarm can be installed on the
computers themselves. Broadband routers offer equivalent firewall capability built
into the device, configurable through its own software.