Difference between Cellular and Wi-Fi Networks
Cellular Networks
Cellular network refers to mobile networks used over a wide area and is used to access network. A mobile device is connected to its base station using an air-based interface, using physical and link layer protocol. Each base station is connected to Mobile Switching Center connecting mobiles to wide area networks, help to set up call and mobility network.
Wi-Fi Networks
WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It is used to create a wireless network of devices to access the internet. It follows IEEE 802.11 standards. Each WiFi device is connecting to the WLAN network to access the internet and a wireless access point, AP.
Following are some of the important differences between Cellular Networks and Wi-Fi Networks
| Sr. No. | Key | Cellular Networks | Wi-Fi Networks |
|---|
| 1 | Internet Access | Cellular networks are based on mobile phones/devices using cellular signals to connect to the internet. | Wifi uses radiofrequency waves to provide high-speed internet access to connected devices. |
| 2 | Standard | Cellular networks are based on mobile phones and use networks spread over a wide area. | WiFi is a wireless network technology following IEEE 802.11 standards. |
| 3 | Range | Cellular networks are dependent on network range availability. | Wifi has a limited range. |
| 4 | Data Plans | Mobile phones have a plan up to which data can be consumed. | Wifi has no such limits or plans up to which data can be consumed. |
| 5 | Speed | Mobile phone network access speed is generally slow as compared to WiFi. | WiFi is quite faster as compared to a cellular network. |
Published on 16-Apr-2020 09:42:38
