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Difference between WiFi and 3G Technology
Both WiFi and 3G technology are wireless technologies that are widely used to send and receive data wirelessly. WiFi is for high-speed Internet access that connects nearby devices with each other and share the Internet via hotspots, whereas 3G technology is a set of standards for wireless mobile communication systems.
Go through this article to find out more about the features of WiFi and 3G technology and how they are different from each other.
What is WiFi?
WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It defines any network based on the 802.11 standards, allows computers and devices with the required wireless capacity to communicate via radio waves with other computers or devices. IEEE established the 802.11 network standards, which describe how two wireless devices interact over the air.
WiFi is a small network where smartphones, computers or other networkable devices are connected to each other wirelessly within a small range and share Internet using hotspots. WiFi uses radio frequency waves for wireless high-speed Internet and network connections. The size of a WiFi antenna is very small and can be put on small routers. WiFi can be used to connect printers, computers, gaming consoles, mobile and so on.
WiFi specifies how to physically create a wireless network using approaches similar to the Ethernet standard. WiFi is built into most of today's computers and mobile devices, such as smartphones and handheld game consoles.
The WiFi standard is widely used in hotspots, which allow mobile users to connect to the internet using their WiFi-enabled wireless computers and devices. WiFi is also used in many homes and small companies to connect computers and devices wirelessly.
Features of WiFi
WiFi is used in Local Area Networks (LAN). Here are some of its important features −
WiFi transmits the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequencies data, which is more secure and bigger than the 3G networks.
WiFi technology is not so expensive.
You can easily install WiFi on any computer or any other electronic device by introducing LAN on any computer with a wireless adapter.
WiFi can also be used to connect gaming consoles, printers, laptops, and other such devices.
WiFi networks have signal reach for about 300+ feet; therefore, they are best for indoor use.
What is 3G Technology?
3G technology is a set of standards for wireless mobile communication systems, that promises to deliver quality multimedia services along with high-quality voice transmission. 3G Technology is more convenient and has a wider area than WiFi networks. However, you have to pay to connect to the 3G network.
3G is costly than that of WiFi and is installed only by the transporter companies. The service provider manages 3G services. The first 3G services were available in 1998.
3G is more reliable as compared to WiFi networks. It is because they do not get influenced by power-cuts or bad connections.
Features of 3G Technology
3G systems comply with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000).
It provides high-speed transmission having data transfer rate more than 0.2 Mbps.
Global roaming services are available for both voice and data.
It offers advanced multimedia access like playing music, viewing videos, television services, etc.
It provides access to all advanced Internet services, for example, surfing webpages with audio and video.
3G technology paved the way for the increased usage of smartphones with wide screens as they provided better viewing of mobile webpages, videos and mobile televisions.
Difference between WiFi and 3G Technology
The following table highlights the major differences between WiFi and 3G technology.
| WiFi | 3G Technology |
|---|---|
| The WiFi router supervises WiFi access. | The service provider controls the 3G network. |
| It delivers the speed from 11 Mbps to 55 Mbps. | 3G delivers the speed from 40 kbps to 70 kbps. |
| It is less costly when it comes to consumption than that of 3G Technology. | 3G Technology is more expensive. |
| It is for LAN-established applications. | It is for WAN-established applications. |
| It transfers the data at 2.4 GHz and 5GHz radio frequencies. | It transfers the data at low frequencies that are from 850 MHz to 1900 MHz. |
| WiFi frequencies are faster and secured. | The frequencies of 3G networks are less secured. |
| By fixing a wireless LAN on any computer with a wireless clamp, WiFi is easily fixed. | The conveyor companies install the 3G connection. |
| It is less dependable than 3G. | It is more dependable than WiFi. |
| Frequently you do not have to pay to use the WiFi network. | You have to pay to enjoy the 3G services. |
| The use of WiFi technology has been widely popular. | 4G networks have replaced the 3G networks at present. |
Conclusion
Both WiFi and 3G technology have their own benefits; it all depends upon your requirements, whether you want Internet for indoors or outdoors or prefer the one which is less costly and more reliable.
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