Whether it’s Wireless or Wi-Fi, both communicate or transfer data wirelessly. Both technologies are different, but they work together to create a home network that provides you with connectivity to the internet. A wireless connection or wireless internet utilizes a cellular network and one of the services that Wi-Fi optionally supports, which allows you to use the internet almost anywhere. WiFi is a wireless communication standard used between computer devices to share files and resources, it also requires you to install hardware in your home or use your computer only if you have access within range of a router. So, now let us see difference between Wireless and Wi-Fi along with Smart Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools and Smart Best wireless site survey software, site survey tools for wireless networks & Wifi site survey software app.
What is Wireless?
Wireless is also known as wireless internet or fixed-point wireless internet delivered wirelessly via radio signals to a specific sensor. Wireless internet must be installed to receive data through near-line of sight wirelessly, and it requires a nearby transmission tower so that some specific areas will have coverage. Wireless service or fixed wireless is available virtually anywhere a Fixed-Point Wireless tower is available.
Wireless internet is far more reliable and ideal for rural areas where large cable companies do not want to invest in the infrastructure to provide internet access to the residents. Wireless is the most viable option for those who do not have fiber to run to their home or those who do not have many viable internet options in their areas.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is the wireless LAN technology that uses the IEEE 802.11 standards and transmits data inside your home from your router to your devices. A Wi-Fi network is very easy to set up, especially to reach a small area like your home or your business – it carries data to your smartphone, smart TV, tablet, and to your laptop but without the internet connection, Wi-Fi will not do anything as it does not create internet access.
Whether it’s a personal digital assistant or cell phone and other handheld electronics, those have Wi-Fi ability built-in features. This will allow them to connect wirelessly to a Wi-Fi-enabled network to not only transfer files but also access data and surf the Internet.
Some of the major differences between wireless and wi-fi are given below.
Signal Range: As compared to a Wi-Fi connection, a wireless connection has a much larger range as it can be utilized from any location where you receive a signal. But the range of a Wi-Fi connection is much more limited as it can be utilized the connection within the same building where the Wi-Fi router gets installed.
Speed: In a wireless connection, the speed in terms of downloading and uploading is comparably slower than the Wi-Fi connection. For instance, when a Wi-Fi router supports transfer speeds of up to 300 megabits per second, the speed of wireless internet does limit the download and upload speeds.
Cost: For Wi-Fi connections, the costs will be much lower than wireless connections. For example, you will have to pay a monthly Internet service bill in the case of purchasing the required hardware and establishing a Wi-Fi connection in your home or office, but in the case of a wireless connection, it will overcharge you if download more data than is allotted in your plan.
Comparatively low latency: As compared to Wi-Fi, the fixed wireless internet connection has relatively low latency, which can make online gaming, streaming, and internet conferencing all feasible options.
Conclusion
Where an increasing number of smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, and tablets are concerned, the maximum number of people are likely to choose Wi-Fi. Similarly, when people need to avail internet access in rural areas, then wireless is the most feasible option to choose from. But then in any of the cases, you will need stable network connectivity with QoE and QoS. So, this is your concern, try using RantCell, which is a mobile phone-based, non-traditional yet cost-effective network testing tool. RantCell can capture all the KPIs to conduct network performances through continuous monitoring, benchmarking solutions, indoor testing, drive testing, etc.
