Wired or Wireless? That Is the Question

The previous chapter introduced some of the differences between wired and wireless networks. You learned that both types of networks function in a similar manner and that each offers certain advantages. Now it's time to decide if your home network will primarily use cables or radio waves.

Figure 3-1 shows a typical layout for a wired home network. Each device on the network is connected to a switch or router by way of a cable.

Figure 3-1. Every Device on a Wired Network Must Have a Cable Connecting It to the Network

Figure 3-2 shows how a typical wireless network compares to the wired network. Notice that ...

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