What is the difference between Wi-Fi and cellular networks?

Wi-Fi was limited to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz until April 2020 when the Federal Communications Commission opened the entire 6 GHz band (5925-7125 MHz) for unlicensed spectrum use. Since then over 70% of the world’s GDP has opened at least a part of the 6GHz band. 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E), 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7), and 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8 (expected)) are all standardized to use the 6 GHz band.

Wi-Fi connections are made through the network that already has an established connection. This means you must be near a router to get an internet connection. Cellular data, on the other hand, is accessed through the nearest cellular tower.

Wi-Fi is a wireless connectivity standard governed by the 802.11 standards. Wi-Fi defines the air interface between a device and the access point. (Access points will typically use other technologies to provide connectivity to other networks/internet etc.) Cellular Networks are governed by 3GPP standards and typically follow a Core/Base Station/User Equipment design. Originally focused on delivering voice communications, cellular networks evolved to also deliver broadband data services. Spectrum Usage for Wi-Fi is typically unlicenced (free) whereas cellular networks utilize licenced spectrum.

Wi-Fi: Creates a local area network (LAN) using radio waves. Works within a limited range, typically around a router or access point. Cellular: Creates a wide area network (WAN) using cell towers to transmit signals over large geographical areas. Offers broader coverage than Wi-Fi.

There are many differences between them as well as many similarities. To start, WiFi is a local area network oriented technology and cellular networks is wide area oriented technology. As a consequence, WiFi in general has a short range of coverage, is private and power limited, and on the other hand, Mobile cellular networks has a larger coverage, is public and use licensed frequencies with a higher power. Other technical details are already mentioned by other specialists in this discussion

Cellular technology enables mobile communication by dividing geographical areas into cells, each served by a cell tower. Mobile devices, like smartphones, connect to these towers using radio waves. The cellular network employs different frequency bands for voice and data transmission, with standards like 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G representing advancements in speed and capabilities. When a device moves between cells during a call or data session, it seamlessly transitions from one tower to another, ensuring continuous connectivity. Cellular networks are essential for voice calls, text messaging, and mobile data services, supporting our increasingly mobile and connected lifestyles.

Wi-Fi, or wireless fidelity, offers numerous advantages in modern connectivity. Its primary strength lies in its wireless nature, allowing users to access the internet and network resources without the constraints of physical cables. This enhances mobility, enabling seamless connectivity across devices in homes, offices, and public spaces. Wi-Fi promotes flexibility by supporting multiple devices simultaneously, facilitating the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, it simplifies network setup and eliminates the need for extensive wiring infrastructure. The convenience of Wi-Fi has become integral to our daily lives, empowering users with efficient and untethered access to information, communication, and entertainment.

In my day to day, Wi-Fi is the unsung hero that keeps my entrepreneurial gears turning. Also allows me to enjoy my hobbies with the people I love even if not in the same room. And let's not forget the versatility – supporting everything from smart home gadgets to binge-worthy streaming sessions. Wi-Fi isn't just a utility; it's the backbone of my dynamic, tech-driven world, giving me the edge I need to thrive in today's fast-paced landscape at both personal and professional levels.

A primary advantage of WiFi lies in its interoperability and retro-compatibility, ensuring nearly any device purchased anywhere will function seamlessly in your environment. The use of unlicensed spectrum is pivotal for widespread adoption, fostering affordability. Though challenges like high interference, especially in the 2.4 GHz range, may arise, the typical low power usage confines most residential WiFi issues. Enhancing WiFi is effortless today with extenders and mesh systems, and the imminent availability of 6 GHz systems will bring additional channels and increased network capacity.

Cellular advantages include mobility, allowing communication on the go. Cell networks provide widespread coverage, connecting remote areas. Cellular technology enables voice calls, text messaging, and data services, fostering global communication. It supports efficient spectrum use through frequency reuse, enhancing network capacity. Additionally, cell networks offer improved security and reliability compared to traditional systems, contributing to seamless connectivity worldwide.

Cellular networks provide many advantages over other communication systems, such as wide coverage and mobility, scalability and flexibility, security and reliability, as well as cost-effectiveness and convenience. Bandwidth limitation: Cellular networks can struggle to provide reliable service in densely populated areas or during peak usage times. Dependence on infrastructure

Optimizing residential Wi-Fi can be a challenge, with placement challenges for both access points and extenders. Ensuring robust coverage requires strategic installation in areas that aren't affected by the main AP's weak signal. Strengthen your residential network with robust passphrases and, ideally, employ WPA3 encryption for heightened protection. Regarding interference, especially in the crowded 2.4 GHz, automatic optimization is a game-changer. Cutting-edge solutions leverage anonymized telemetry from APs to autonomously boost network performance. Seamless integration is essential. Explore EAP methods like EAP-SIM and EAP-AKA, especially in conjunction with Open Roaming initiatives, for a unified and secure experience.

WiFi challenges include interference from other devices, signal attenuation through walls, and crowded frequency bands. Interference from neighboring networks or electronic devices can degrade signal quality. Walls and obstacles weaken signals, leading to dead zones. The limited spectrum availability causes congestion, resulting in slower speeds. Security concerns like unauthorized access and data breaches are prevalent. Additionally, IoT devices and smart homes contribute to increased demand, straining WiFi networks. Addressing these challenges requires optimizing router placement, using dual-band or mesh networks, and implementing robust security measures.

Cellular standards are drafted by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). The standards are open i.e. available for free at 3gpp.org . They are released in version number 12,13,14... currently 19. Ideally telecommunication radio standards should be drafted by ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union - Radio) an UN body, but to fast track the development and take advantages of the new innovations, they decided on the partnership approach. The main challenge is that the 3gpp standard body gets pulled into different direction by the various stakeholders, often times slowing the adoption of an innovative technique. Frequent releases leads to device and infrastructure obsolescence. This leads to huge capex investments.

Wifi (as standardised by IEEE) is predominantly an air interface to a local area network. As part of an overall enterprise network it is a crucial element to allow devices to connect to said network and typically, though not always, onwards to the internet. WiFi relies on other network functions and services such as Authentication etc. Cellular networks (as standardised by 3GPP), on the other hand, is a fully integrated network that encompasses the air interface but also transport and aggregation and core networking as well as authentication mechanisms etc. Comparing WiFi with Cellular is like comparing Displays with Laptop Computers. Data rates, mobility aspects, stability and reliability, etc. all can be managed with both technologies.

In today's residential broadband packages, WiFi is a fundamental component. Adapting the customer journey is crucial for addressing client issues and adding value. The significance of remote management and automation in optimizing WiFi networks is undeniable, with specialized algorithms easing configuration burdens and providing data for analysis. This holds true for WiFi mesh/extender networks widely present in households. Ensuring a responsive, low-latency, and low-jitter network remains a challenge, but advancements like MLO in WiFi 7, powered by the 6 GHz band, are expected to enhance these aspects.

In my experience it's hard to over emphasise the importance of dedicated licensed Radio Spectrum. Radio spectrum is the real estate that underpins the performance of all Wireless Technolgies. In the case of Wi-Fi the spectrum is shared and unlicensed meaning the signals often suffer interference from other users and external sources, leading to reduced performance. Cellular on the other hand operates over dedicated radio spectrum licensed to your Mobile Carrier meaning they have a strong incentive to manage the radio performance and even take action against external interfering sources to ensure a more consistent user experience.

WiFi is a local area networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet and communicate with each other within a specific range. It's commonly used in homes, offices, and public spaces. WiFi relies on a router or access point to create a local network, and devices connect to it using radio bands in the ranges of 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz . Cellular technology, on the other hand, is used for mobile networks provided by telecommunications companies. It allows mobile devices to connect to the internet over a wide area, often entire cities or countries. Cellular networks use towers or base stations to transmit signals, and devices connect through mobile data plans. Cellular frequency typically use ranges between 600 MHz to 39 GHz.