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.

Mahesh Parahar

Published on 16-Apr-2020 06:12:38

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