Wireless Internet access can be obtained through Wi-Fi LANs or cellular WANs, with Wi-Fi reception only possible within a hotspot and cellular service available everywhere. Wi-Fi hotspots are built into wireless routers used in homes or small workplaces, and mobile devices also have standard local Wi-Fi hardware.
Wireless Internet Access: Wi-Fi and Cellular Networks
In today’s world, wireless internet access is a must-have feature for many individuals and businesses. With more people using smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices to access the internet, the demand for Wi-Fi and cellular networks has increased significantly. Let’s take a closer look at these two types of wireless networks and what makes them different from each other.
FAQs
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a type of wireless networking technology that enables devices to connect to the internet without using cables. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit data between devices and a wireless access point (WAP) which is typically a router. Wi-Fi networks are typically found in homes, offices, cafes, airports, and other public places.
What is Cellular Network?
A cellular network is a type of wireless network that uses radio waves to transmit data between mobile devices and cell towers. Cellular networks provide internet access to a much wider area than Wi-Fi networks, covering entire towns, cities, and even countries. Cellular networks are provided by mobile network operators such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a short-range wireless network that allows devices to connect to the internet. Wi-Fi networks are created by a wireless access point (WAP), usually a router, that broadcasts a signal within a small area of 50 to 200 feet. To access a Wi-Fi network, a device must be within the range of the WAP, which is known as a hotspot.
Wi-Fi networks are commonly found in homes, offices, coffee shops, airports, and other public places. Wi-Fi networks provide high-speed internet access with speeds of up to several hundred megabits per second (Mbps).
What is Cellular Network?
A cellular network is a long-range wireless network that uses radio waves to transmit data between mobile devices and cell towers. Cellular networks cover a much wider area than Wi-Fi networks, making them ideal for providing internet access in rural areas and other remote locations, as well as in urban areas with high population densities.
Cellular networks are provided by mobile network operators such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Cellular networks offer high-speed internet access with speeds of up to several hundred megabits per second (Mbps) depending on the network technology used.
What are the differences between Wi-Fi and Cellular Network?
Wi-Fi and cellular network are two different types of wireless networks with different features, advantages, and limitations. Some of the key differences between Wi-Fi and cellular network are:
- Range: Wi-Fi is a short-range network that covers a small area of up to 200 feet, while a cellular network covers a large area of several miles or more.
- Availability: Wi-Fi networks are available in certain locations, whereas cellular networks are available virtually everywhere.
- Speed: Wi-Fi can offer higher speeds of up to several hundred Mbps, while cellular network speeds depend on the network technology used.
When all is said and done
Wi-Fi and cellular networks are two important types of wireless networks that enable internet access. Wi-Fi networks are short-range networks commonly found in homes, offices, and public places, while cellular networks are long-range networks that cover entire towns, cities, and countries. Both types of networks have their pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and requirements.