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What is a wireless network?

A wireless local-area network (LAN) uses radio waves to connect devices such as laptops and mobile phones to the Internet and to your business network and its applications.

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What is a Wi-Fi or wireless network vs. a wired network?

A wireless network allows devices to stay connected to the network but roam untethered to any wires. Access points amplify Wi-Fi signals, so a device can be far from a router but still be connected to the network. When you connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot at a cafe, a hotel, an airport lounge, or another public place, you're connecting to that business's wireless network.

A wired network uses cables to connect devices, such as laptop or desktop computers, to the Internet or another network. A wired network has some disadvantages when compared to a wireless network. The biggest disadvantage is that your device is tethered to a router. The most common wired networks use cables connected at one end to an Ethernet port on the network router and at the other end to a computer or other device.

Previously it was thought that wired networks were faster and more secure than wireless networks. But continual enhancements to wireless network technology such as the Wi-Fi 6 networking standard have eroded speed and security differences between wired and wireless networks.

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Stay connected from anywhere with wireless access points.

What are the benefits of a Wi-Fi wireless network?

Businesses can experience many benefits from a Cisco wireless network, including:

  • Convenience: Access your network resources from any location within your wireless network's coverage area or from any Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • Mobility: You're not tied to your desk, as you are with a wired connection. You and your employees can go online in conference room meetings, for example.
  • Productivity: Wireless access to the Internet and to your company's key applications and resources helps your staff get the job done and encourages collaboration.
  • Easy setup: You don't have to string cables, so installation can be quick and cost effective.
  • Expandability: You can easily expand wireless networks with existing equipment, whereas a wired network might require additional wiring.
  • Security: Advances in wireless networks provide robust security protections.
  • Reduced cost: Because wireless networks eliminate or reduce wiring expenses, they can cost less to operate than wired networks.

How to deploy a wireless network

To create your wireless network, you can choose between three types of deployment: centralized deployment, converged deployment, and cloud-based deployment. Need help figuring out which deployment is best for your business? Talk to an expert.

1. Centralized Deployment

The most common type of wireless network system, centralized deployments are traditionally used in campuses where buildings and networks are in close proximity. This deployment consolidates the wireless network, which makes upgrades easier and facilitates advanced wireless functionality. Controllers are based on-premises and are installed in a centralized location.

2. Converged Deployment

For small campuses or branch offices, converged deployments offer consistency in wireless and wired connections. This deployment converges wired and wireless on one network device—an access switch—and performs the dual role of both switch and wireless controller.

3. Cloud-Based Deployment

This system uses the cloud to manage network devices deployed on-premises at different locations. The solution requires Cisco Meraki cloud-managed devices, which provide full visibility of the network through their dashboards.

Want to learn more?

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