But what is the difference between wireless and Wi-Fi? Has this question ever crossed your mind? Well, we are here to answer all your queries about this topic.
Wi-Fi and wireless are not the same things. The wireless network depends on the network nodes and can provide service to any range. Yet, the speed is not as fast as the Wi-Fi. For range, the Wi-Fi is not so great.
Average routers can serve you mainly in the same building. Again, Wi-Fi is just a kind of wireless technology. There are many more differences between these two. Please read our article to learn more about this.
What Are Wireless And Wi-Fi?
You may use wireless and Wi-Fi interchangeably. But they do not mean the same thing. Here’s a basic breakdown of the two terms for you.
Wireless Connections
Wireless connections are computer or mobile networks that work through network nodes. But Wi-Fi is used for common area networking. Think of it. You can browse YouTube or Facebook anywhere on your mobile using cellular internet. The internet does not come through a cable. Instead, it utilizes network towers to send you signals.
You can do anything with this network, from making phone calls to online gaming. This connection is wireless. Wireless connections include mobile networks, WLANs, and satellite networks. Even the terrestrial microwave network is a kind of wireless network.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi simply means Wireless Fidelity. Local Area Networks can be of different types, and Wi-Fi is one of them. Its technical name is IEEE 802.11. You need a simple Wi-Fi device to set up a wireless network in your home.
Wi-Fi Alliance holds the trademark for Wi-Fi. This technology allows you to use the internet on a mobile or computer via a router or gateway.
Difference Between Wireless And Wi-Fi
No, Wi-Fi and wireless internet are not the same things. As we mentioned earlier, wireless can be of different types. Not surprisingly, Wi-Fi is one kind of wireless network. So, all wireless networks are not Wi-Fi, but Wi-Fi is a wireless network.
Cell towers around your home are responsible for the wireless connection. Then, you use that same connection to create the Wi-Fi network. One has to set up a router or gateway for this. It is a step-by-step procedure.
Wireless connection is the first step, and the second one includes Wi-Fi. Although, you don’t need the internet to utilize the Wi-Fi as it sets up a LAN (Local Area Network) among devices.
Why Not Use The Wireless Connection Directly?
Now, you might be wondering – why do I have to use Wi-Fi for this? Why don’t we use that wireless connection directly? Well, the answer is pretty simple. The cellular network is a bit slower than Wi-Fi. Again, your pc is not designed to use the cellular network. You have to get a cabled connection or Wi-Fi to get the web.
As Wi-Fi creates a local area network (LAN), it gets easier to establish connections among two or more devices. You can share important files, music, or whatever you want without any internet connection.
Wireless Vs. Wi-Fi
While you can use wireless and Wi-Fi synonymously, there are some definite differences between them. Here are a few to get you up to speed.
Hardware Requirements
Accessing the wireless network is a piece of cake. In the case of cellular networks, you only need to subscribe to a data plan. You can use that data plan wherever you want.
In contrast, Wi-Fi needs a router to do this thing. If you get internet in your router, you need a broadband modem. Computers may have Wi-Fi installed. If your pc does not have one, putting in a Wi-Fi networking adapter will do the work. They are available as card add-ons or USB.
Cost
Wi-Fi is a cheap technology for everyday use. One does not need a lot of money for a Wi-Fi connection. You can find Wi-Fi on every electronic device nowadays. Even fridges come with Wi-Fi. Bill for the internet service is the only cost.
Wireless connection costs you kind of the same amount. But the limit is the game changer here. Internet service providers give you unlimited internet, but cellular companies charge a lot for internet. So, which one will you choose?
Signal Range
You can access your cellular internet anytime, anywhere, because it covers a large area. The signal range for wireless is enormous. On the other hand, the signal range of Wi-Fi is not that great. The range of Wi-Fi depends on the device. The stronger the router is, the greater the range will be.
It’s wiser to use Wi-Fi in the same building. Not to mention that the Wi-Fi signal deteriorates with distance.
Speed
Wireless connection has a weaker download and upload speed. Although, the speed depends on the generation of the technology.
Nowadays, most devices are 5G supported. Yet, 5G connections cannot ensure speed up to 100 megabits per second in the US. Again, all countries of the world cannot utilize 5G. 3G or 4G is still used all over the world.
In the case of Wi-Fi, using a Wi-Fi connection with high-end broadband can go up to 2,000 megabits per second (2 Gbps). Even simple routers can go up to 300 megabits per second while sharing files. Though the connection mostly depends on the internet service providers.
Security
Security is a little concerning while you are using the wireless connection. Because someone cannot just hack into your device, cellular companies ensure your safety.
As for the Wi-Fi, it has a less secure system. A Wi-Fi router can be connected to more than two devices. The devices are connected through Wi-Fi. This connection allows them to share anything between themselves.
So, if you’re not careful enough, a hacker can easily insert malware into your device. Thus, taking control from you, he can also steal files from your device. In that case, you have to be aware of how to protect your router from unwanted access.
Residential Use
Wi-Fi is the perfect technology for residential use. A single router can serve many people. So, you just need to pay one internet service provider. Again, the devices are interconnected through Wi-Fi. This allows you to share whatever you want without using the internet.
Wireless connection is excellent for communication at a greater distance. A lot of people cannot use the same sim card for reference. This makes it less compatible with residential usage.
Final Words
We live in the modern era. With technological evolution, connectivity has become too simple. Both Wi-Fi and wireless technologies are contributing to this case.
Without wireless, you can’t communicate with anyone, and smooth internet is more brutal to ensure without Wi-Fi. So, they both are important in their way. Proper use of them will make your life easier.
People use Wi-Fi and wireless synonymously. That’s where the confusion begins. Now that you know the difference between wireless and Wi-Fi, you won’t confuse these terms anymore. Whether Wi-Fi or wireless, ensure you take full advantage of these technologies!
