Internet has over the years become increasingly vital in our day to day lives. Mobile broadband/LTE and Wi-Fi can be used to access the internet and perform activities requiring a data connection.
Given the importance of Internet to our everyday lives and to IoT applications, here is the difference between two vital connections on the Internet, Wi-Fi and LTE.
Co je to Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking protocol that allows devices to communicate without internet cords. It represents a type of wireless local area network (LAN) protocol based on the 802.11 IEEE network standard.
Reklama — Pokračujte ve čtení níže
Wi-Fi is the most popular means of communicating data wirelessly, within a fixed location. It’s a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, an international association of companies involved with wireless LAN technologies and products.
Wi-Fi is commonly mistaken as an acronym for “wireless fidelity.” It’s also sometimes spelled as wifi, Wifi, WIFI or WiFi, but none of these are officially approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi is also used synonymous with the word “wireless,” but wireless is actually much broader.
The main requirement for Wi-Fi is that there’s a device that can transmit the wireless signal, like a router, phone or computer.
A router transmits an internet connection coming from outside the network, like an ISP, and delivers that service to nearby devices that can reach the wireless signal. Another way to use Wi-Fi is a Wi-Fi hotspot so that a phone or computer can share its wireless or wired internet connection, similar to how a router works.
Wi-Fi produces wireless signal that lets other devices connect to the main transmitter for communication, like to transfer files or carry voice messages.
Reklama — Pokračujte ve čtení níže
Co je to LTE?
LTE znamená Long Term Evolution and is a 4G(read: 4th generation) wireless broadband standard. It is the fastest wireless network for smartphones and mobile devices.
LTE offers higher bandwidth, meaning greater connection speeds, and better underlying technology for voice calls (VoIP) and multimedia streaming. It is better suited for the heavier and bandwidth-hungry applications on mobile devices.
You only need a mobile device that supports LTE in order to access LTE. You can find this in the specifications of the device. Normally, the naming comes as 4G-LTE. Also, not all devices showing LTE in their specs are reliable since this acronym has unfortunately become a tool for marketing and often misleads. Some manufacturers fail to live up to the expectations when supplying LTE hardware. Therefore, before buying your smartphone or any other devices, read reviews, check testers’ verdicts, and put some attention to the actual LTE performance of the device.
You also need a service provider that has solid coverage in the area where you circulate. It is no use investing on LTE devices if your area is not well covered.
LTE is a 4G technology and is the fastest one around so far. Its strength lies in several factors. It uses radio waves, unlike 3G and WiMAX, which use microwaves. This is what causes it to work on existing hardware. This also causes LTE networks to have better penetration in remote areas and to have greater coverage span. LTE uses partly fiber optic cables, better codecs for encoding signals, and it enhanced for multimedia transfer and data communications.
Now that we have an idea of what Wi-Fi is and what LTE is, let’s dive right into the comparisons.
Pozadí
Released in 2008, LTE is technically designated as 3GPP technology, and is designed to work with mobile computing devices, such as mobile phones and tablet computers. At the time of publication, LTE technology is available on a selected number of phones that offer access to the 4G network.
Wi-Fi technology came on the market in 1999 with the release of the 802.11b standard, and was intended to provide wireless networking functionality to computers and mobile devices. Unlike LTE technology, the Wi-Fi standards require a router to provide wireless network connectivity.
Typ nemovitosti
At the time of publication, LTE technology is available in various release versions, including Release 12, which is the technology’s current version. The Wi-Fi protocols include the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11 n standards. The LTE standards are produced by the collaborative efforts of electronics manufacturers and wireless service providers, including Samsung, Sony, AT&T and T-Mobile. The Wi-Fi standards are built to the specifications established by the Wi-Fi Alliance, an international organization comprised of several of the same companies that belong to the 3GPP.
Reklama — Pokračujte ve čtení níže
Speeds and Range
LTE technologies provide data transfer speeds of between 100 megabits per second(100 Mb / s) and one Gigabit per second(1 Gb / s). The Wi-Fi standard specifies data transfer speeds between 11 Mbps, 54 Mbps 600 Mbps and 1Gbps depending on the specification. Newer standard WiFi 6 promises speeds of up-to 10Gbps. An assortment of conditions and situations can cause these speeds to vary such as bad weather, network traffic and the capabilities of each device.
The LTE standards enable connected devices with widespread network coverage, typically nationwide.
Wi-Fi computing devices must remain within 300 feet of a wireless router to maintain wireless network functionality while 4G LTE devices such as smartphones can be Miles away from the base station. So in terms of range, 4G LTE is more capable.
Propojení
You can also use a mobile router to take advantage of LTE network connectivity. A Mobile WiFi (MiFi) router allows any computing device to connect to a wireless service provider’s 4G network using Wi-Fi technology on one end and LTE on the other. WiMAX technology is built on the 802.16 Wi-Fi standard, and extends Wi-Fi type wireless connectivity from 300 feet to up to 30 miles. WiMAX is categorized as an LTE technology, but it relies on a WiMAX-enabled router for its connectivity instead of a wireless service provider’s 4G network.
For Internet lovers, convenience and speed are things you look for for a better experience. Both LTE and Wi-Fi offer these two.
It’s very likely that WiFi and 4 LTE technologies will co-exist together in the years to come as each one of them compliments the other.
JAKO TO, CO ČTETE?
Přihlaste se k odběru našeho newsletteru a získejte odborné rady a tipy, jak ze svého vytěžit maximum Tech gadgety
Přihlášením k odběru našeho newsletteru vyjadřujete svůj souhlas s našimi Podmínkami použití a Zásadami ochrany osobních údajů. Z odběru newsletterů se můžete kdykoli odhlásit.
Given the application-driven, technology-fueled age we live in, the quest for a reliable, high-performing internet connection with minimum lag and faster response times is ongoing. So is the LTE vs. WiFi debate. But while WiFi has so far been the preferred choice of enterprises, an increasing number of small and large technology companies are waking up to the enormous benefits of cellular networks.
The LTE standard is emerging as the winner for enterprise networks given their high-capacity requirement and specific use cases like supporting IoT-enabled devices (Internet of Things). But is it the right choice for your organization? And, what is the difference between LTE and WiFi? If you’re an enterprise wondering whether to deploy LTE technology to complement or even replace your WiFi network, read on.
The Internet Technology Debate – LTE or WiFi?
Before we deep-dive into the WiFi vs. LTE debate, let’s briefly examine what’s meant by the LTE internet connection and WiFi standard, two popular internet technologies.
Co je to WiFi?
WiFi may be a buzzword in the present digital age dominated by smart devices and electronic media. But what does it exactly mean? WiFi is the name given to a wireless networking protocol, which allows us to communicate data wirelessly, that is, without internet cords. A trademark of an international association of companies known as the WiFi Alliance, the term WiFi represents a type of wireless local area network (LAN) protocol.
A device called a router helps several types of computing devices to connect to the wireless network and send and receive data including files, audio, and video. The router transmits the wireless signal, which facilitates data communication within a fixed location. It’s important to remember that while the term WiFi is used to denote ‘wireless’, the latter is a much broader term.
Co je to LTE?
Long Term Evolution or LTE, as it’s commonly called, refers to the 4G technology or 4 th generation wireless broadband standard. It’s a communication standard for data terminals, mobile devices, and smartphones.
The LTE standard is a superior, high-speed, high-security wireless cellular network. It’s also highly reliable, provided that a good LTE signal is available. Thanks to its rapid connection and higher bandwidth, LTE is especially recommended for heavy applications that rely on fast speeds. In fact it’s credited as being the fastest wireless technology for mobile devices and smart phones and for good reason. The fact that it uses radio waves instead of microwaves, unlike 3G and WiMAX, gives it a better penetration and wider coverage that also extends to remote areas.
Which is More Suitable?- LTE or WiFi?
While both LTE and WiFi serve the same need – to communicate data over the internet – they differ in terms of their technology, range, speed, performance, and bandwidth.
Technika
One of the many advantages of using LTE is that it doesn’t require a router to connect to the cellular data network. To use the public LTE network, all you need are a data plan and a mobile device to connect to your cellular service provider’s network. When using the WiFi on the other hand, a wireless router is needed to access the internet through your laptop, smartphone or any other device.
Bezpečnost
When accessing the internet, security is a primary concern – especially if you’re a small or large enterprise that deals with confidential company and client information. Although no network can be 100 % secure, in the LTE vs. WiFi debate, cellular data clearly ranks higher in terms of security, for several reasons.
An important factor driving the high security standards of cellular data networks is that service providers have strong incentives to protect users’ privacy and safeguard their data. A misstep in the security domain could mean loss of reputation and business, even running the risk of huge financial losses. Therefore, network operators have dedicated cyber security professionals who develop frequent security updates, keeping risks to a minimum. WiFi, on the other hand, is owned and operated by individual entities that may not develop security updates at all or as frequently, increasing consumers’ vulnerability to cyber risks.
Another factor that increases the vulnerability of WiFi users is that it’s possible to create fake WiFi networks to which consumers unsuspectingly connect. This practically gives criminals a free virtual tour of their browsing activity. In contrast, the enormous scale and size of cellular networks are huge deterrents for criminals’ attempts to create imitations, thus eliminating the possibility of fake cellular networks.
Finally, since cellular data is encrypted by default, there is no room for error. On the other hand, when using WiFi, you need to turn on the encryption and missing this crucial step leaves you vulnerable to cyber security threats and hacks. As you can see, LTE is the clear winner in terms of security which increases its popularity with technological firms and IoT application developers.
Krytí
A clear and significant advantage of cellular networks is that they provide widespread network coverage, typically nationwide, to subscribers, in contrast to the limited area access provided by WiFi.
Given that WiFi is basically a local area network (LAN), it provides extremely limited coverage. Upon exiting the 300-ft. radius of the router, subscribers lose coverage and need to look for other alternatives. Therefore, relying solely on a WiFi network can be very limiting and inconvenient especially for executives and working professionals who need to travel on a regular basis.
This is why it’s considered almost mandatory to subscribe to a cellular network that offers a much broader coverage no matter where you go. What’s more, LTE coverage is expected to expand even further with rapid advancements in cellular technology, especially 5G. To top it all, standard Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) cellular IoT technologies go several steps further, extending coverage to rural environments, underground tunnels, and buildings.
Šířka pásma
How fast is LTE compared to WiFi? WiFi networks offer a variety of data communication speeds such as 11 Mbps, 54 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1Gbps, depending on the specification. The new WiFi 6 offers speeds as high as 10 Gbps. Until recently, the WiFi standard had a clear advantage over cellular networks in terms of bandwidth or speed.
However, with the introduction of the 4G LTE standard, cellular networks have considerably bridged the gap, offering speeds as fast as 1Gbps – allowing users to enjoy video and other high-bandwidth IoT applications. Now with the advent of the 5G standard, cellular networks are poised to revolutionize data transfer speeds, even offering rates as high as 10 Gbps. This means there’s little to no difference between the bandwidths offered by the two technologies.
Dedicated Bands for Different Applications
While the bandwidths of the two technologies are almost the same, it’s important to note that other factors can hamper the speed of a WiFi network. For instance, since WiFi is on a shared, unlicensed band, it can be used by a bunch of different applications like weather sensors, remote controls, electric meter readers, and Bluetooth at the same time, causing a severe lag that slows the network.
In addition, since WiFi is not coordinated, subscribers must rely on a “listen before talk” protocol that compels a device to patiently wait and do nothing while waiting for its turn to “talk”, in case there is other traffic on the band.
In contrast, LTE has dedicated frequency bands for different applications, which ensures that consumers don’t have to compete with other technologies in the same bands, minimizing the probability of a lag.
Also, since the frequencies and resources of the LTE standard protocol are coordinated, it’s like having a moderator that controls the debate, unlike the WiFi technology where everyone is “shouting”. To get a sense of the probable chaos in the WiFi standard, imagine a scenario in a gym, where there’s a basketball and volleyball game going on simultaneously, while you’re trying to have a debate with no moderator!
Impact of 5G on the Future of Connectivity
If you’re wondering how fast the LTE standard is – or better still, how to make it faster – answer: 5G. As LTE migrates towards 5G, it’s expected to revolutionize the future of cellular networks, with not only its extended network capacity and lower latency but also significantly faster response times and a greater bandwidth. The fifth generation of the wireless network technology may tilt the LTE vs. WiFi debate in favor of the former.
LTE is already gaining widespread adoption due to its high security, large scale, and extensive coverage. Add to this the huge potential of 5G and cellular networks emerge as the clear winner. If your enterprise hasn’t yet tapped into the benefits of the LTE technology, it would be a good time to start now. Relying solely on WiFi to stay connected is never a good idea.
Whether you’re thinking of deploying the LTE standard to complement or replace your WiFi network, WilsonPro – the leader in cellular signal repeater solutions – can help enhance the cellular network in your building, improving its reliability, speed, performance, and security.
To learn more about our cellular signal repeaters, contact one of our representatives today.
