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Difference between Wifi and WiMax
WiFi and WiMax are used to create wireless network connections. WiFi is used to create small networks and used to connect printers, computers, gaming consoles, whereas WiMax uses spectrum to deliver connection to network. WiMax is used to provide Internet services such as Mobile Data and hotspots.
Go through this article to find out more about the features of WiFi and WiMax and how they are different from each other.
What is WiFi?
WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is a combination of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards that are widely used for device networking and Internet access, allowing adjacent digital devices to exchange data through radiowaves.
WiFi is widely used in home and small office networks to connect desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, printers, and smart speakers to a wireless router in order to connect them to the Internet and in public places such as coffee shops, hotels, libraries, and airports to provide the public Internet access for mobile devices.
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 WiMax?
WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It is a collection of wireless broadband communication standards based on the IEEE 802.16 set of standards that offers a variety of physical layer (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) choices.
The WiMax Forum, which was founded in June 2001 to promote standard conformance and interoperability, including the creation of preset system profiles for commercial vendors, coined the term WiMax. WiMax is a standards-based technology that enables the delivery of last-mile wireless broadband connectivity as an alternative to cable and DSL.
IEEE 802.16m, also known as WirelessMAN-Advanced, was a competitor for 4G.
Features of WiMax
Following are some of the important features of WiMax −
The IEEE 802.16 lays down the standards for both physical layer as well as a medium access control (MAC) layer for WiMax.
WiMax initially provided data rates of 30 to 40 Mbps. The updated version that came in 2011 provides up to 1 Gbps data rates for fixed stations.
The latest version of WiMax is WiMax release 2.1, popularly known as WiMax 2+.
WiMax is comparable to Wi-Fi technology and so is nicknamed as "WiFi on steroids." However, WiMax provides much higher data rates, is used for outdoor networks, and uses IEEE 802.16 standards in contrast to IEEE 802.11 standards of Wi-Fi.
It operates in the frequency band of 2 GHz to 11 GHz. The bandwidth is dynamically allocated as per user requirements.
WiMax uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with 256 channels.
It uses convolutional codes, particularly Reed Solomon Codes for forward error correction (FEC) to deal with damaged frames.
WiMax is used in areas where broadband cables are not accessible. WiMax can also be used for VoIP phone calls and IPTV.
Difference between WiFi and WiMax
WiFi is a wireless technology that works over a short distance, while WiMax is a long-range communication technology. The following table highlights the major differences between WiFi and WiMax.
Key |
WiFi |
WiMax |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. |
WiMax stands for Wireless Inter-operability for Microwave Access. |
Usage |
WiFi uses Radio waves to create wireless high-speed internet and network connections. A wireless adapter is needed to create hotspots. |
WiMax uses spectrum to deliver connection to network and handle a larger inter-operable network. |
IEEE |
WiFi is defined under IEEE 802.11x standards where "x" defines various WiFi versions. |
WiMax is defined under IEEE 802.16y standards where "y" defines various WiMax versions. |
Usage |
WiFi is used in LAN applications. |
WiFi is used in LAN applications. |
QoS |
WiFi does not guarantee Quality of Service (QoS). |
WiMax ensures a high level of Quality of Service |
Network Range |
WiFi is a technology that works over a short distance. WiFi network ranges at max 100 meters. |
WiMax is a long-range communication technology. WiMax network ranges to max 90 kms. |
Transmission speed |
WiFi transmission speed can be up to 54 mbps. |
WiMax transmission speed can be up to 70 mbps. |
Conclusion
WiFi establishes a wireless network that allows computers and devices with the required wireless capacity to communicate via radio waves. WiMax, on the other hand, is a collection of wireless broadband communication standards used for long range communication.
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