If you are confused about the difference between Wifi and 4G, then you are not alone. These are terms that everyone uses on a daily basis but very few understand what they actually mean and the similarities and differences between them. Both are the names given to wireless technologies, but each one has its own frequency and range of access. Wifi is commonly used throughout the world, but 4G is a very new technology and is only available in the US and Europe.
The main difference between the two is that Wifi or wireless Internet service extends about 250 meters, 4G, on the other hand, has a much larger range and can extend for several kilometers. Wifi is generally associated with personal use and the fees associated with the LAN setup are inexpensive. 4G is much more expensive and is mainly used to enhance the speed and the performance of the Internet by Mobile private operators. Although Wifi does have high frequency, 4G operates at a frequency that is twice as high.
What is 4G?
4G means Fourth Generation Network and has a very high rate of communication and the transfer of data at 100Mbits. This development of this technology has really revolutionized wireless Internet and is almost the same as connecting a LAN or Ethernet to a mobile device. With 4G, every IP communication will have access to smart phones, laptops, tablets (such as iPad) and other mobile devices that are used to make voice or text calls or browse the web. It allows you to connect to the Internet at a far faster rate than is possible with Cable or DSL.
When you have access to 4G and you have at least 54Mbits of download on your mobile device, you will have the same connection to the Internet that you have with your computer. And, 54Mbits is the worst case scenario because most mobile devices have more download than this. You can basically run any kind of application that you can run on a laptop or desktop computer.
VoIP is even possible if you have a client that uses this technique installed on your cell phone. You can add local numbers to your phone and receive calls on your cell phone by means of IP. This technology has certainly changed the way business is conducted in the locations where 4G is available. For example, you can place a video call and have a face to face meeting while you are traveling.
Some of the providers of 4G technology in Europe are Telmar, Tele2 and Telia. In the US, Verizon and Sprint are the two main providers. This is true even though 4G is still considered to be under development and has not been rolled out in all countries. The target is to have 100Mbits available for mobile customers and 1GB for those who stay in the same location and access the Internet, such as from home. This will allow users to have a better quality of service and to receive Internet without having to deal with the loss of the signal. It also allows for global roaming for cell phone users.
What is Wifi?
Wifi stands for Wireless Facility and it is a LAN network with a short range of connectivity. This is the type of wireless service that is commonly used in homes. It usually operates in an unallocated frequency band at 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz. There are also several varieties of Wifi, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11n. All have the same number. 802.11, but those followed by the letters a, b and g operate on a 2.4Ghz and those followed by n operate on a 5Ghz.
When you have a wireless router connected to your Internet modem at home, it is very easy to set up Wifi. However, you do have to make it secure because those around can steal your signal. You do have to set up a password on your router in order to protect your signal.
Easy Way to Set up Wifi at Home
- Plug in the router to an electrical outlet
- Usually the routers are enabled by DHCP, which means Dynamic Host Control Protocol. What this does is assign an IP address to the computers that you use in the home.
- Connect the laptop to the router and configure the security features.
- Now connect the router to the Internet modem.
- Scan your wireless network and add it to the available networks for your computers.
- You can also enable MAC filter or add IP addresses to provide additional security.
Summary
- Both Wifi and 4G are wireless Internet technologies, IP and support VoIP and video calls.
- Operators use the 4G while computer users at home use Wifi.
- The speed of 4G is double that of Wifi.
- Wifi is for short range and 4G is for long range.
- Wifi only supports data but 4G supports voice as well as data.