A Comparative Study of Hybrid Network (Powerline Communication and WiFi) and Wireless Network Using University of Benin’s Computer Engineering Laboratory as a Case Study

Abstract

In the last years, it can be observed that the fundamental and most
implemented network used in Nigeria is the Wired LAN and Wireless
LAN as a choice to enjoy high-speed broadband access. Because of
the low cost and portability of Wi-Fi technologies, wireless network
deployment has been widely accepted within residential environment.
With the arrival of Power Line Communication (PLC) a whole new
generation of last-mile broadband internet access solutions has
surfaced which has low cost, high data-rates, better portability and
forms a network over electrical wiring in an already existing
infrastructure. In this article, we provide a comparative overview of
the hybrid network (PLC and the Wi-Fi) and a pure wireless network.
This study is based on cost survey and experimental setup analysis of
the hybrid network and the wireless network. For the experimental
measurement, it focuses on network parameters which consist of
throughput, coverage, signal strength, transfer speed and packet loss
using the University of Benin’s Computer Laboratory as the test bud.
As it was observed from the study, both networks performed above
average so the users have to critically examine what he/she needs from
a home network using the parameters listed above. In summary, it is
advisable to apply hybrid network when building home network as it
offers better advantages as regards to some of the network parameter
and does not get affected by distance or wall barriers.