The main difference between LTE and Wi-Fi is coverage. LTE is a technology for public networking. Mobile providers utilize it to deliver 4G services to users throughout the country. Wi-Fi is considerably more basic wireless technology. It is often used to link devices or the internet inside a single building or location.
LTE is a public networking technology that incorporates extensive security to secure user data and devices. Wi-Fi provides a lot of security features, but it is up to users to adopt and maintain them.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that enables devices to interact without needing internet cords. It is a form of wireless local area network (LAN) protocol based on the IEEE 802.11 network standard. Wi-Fi is the most widely used method of wirelessly communicating data inside a fixed place.
The essential prerequisite for Wi-Fi is the presence of a device capable of transmitting a wireless signal, such as a router, phone, or computer. Wi-Fi generates a wireless signal that allows other devices to connect to the primary transmitter for communication, such as file transfer or voice messaging.
What is LTE?
LTE is a 4G wireless broadband technology that stands for Long Term Evolution. It is the most rapidly expanding wireless network for smartphones and mobile devices. LTE provides more capacity, which means faster connection rates and stronger underlying technologies for voice calls (VoIP) and multimedia streaming.
It is better suited for heavy and bandwidth-intensive mobile apps. To use LTE, you need a mobile device that supports LTE. This information is included in the device's specs. Normally, the term is 4G-LTE.
Differences Between Wi-Fi and LTE
Background
LTE, which debuted in 2008, is intended to operate with mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. LTE technology is accessible on phones that connect to the 4G network. 802.11b standard in 1999, Wi-Fi technology entered the market to provide wireless networking capability to computers and mobile devices. Unlike LTE technology, Wi-Fi standards need the use of a router to offer wireless network access.
Technology
One of the numerous benefits of adopting LTE is that it eliminates the requirement for a router to access the cellular data network. All you need to utilize the public LTE network is a data plan and a mobile device that can link to your cellular service provider's network. On the other hand, a wireless router must connect to the internet through a laptop, smartphone, or any other device while utilizing Wi-Fi.
Speed
LTE provides lightning-fast connection speeds and is well-suited for handling high-bandwidth applications on mobile devices. It has a data transmission speed ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Maximum and lowest speeds for Wi-Fi users can vary based on the package purchased. However, the Wi-Fi standard ranges from 11 to 25 Mbps.
Range
Because LTE is accessible through a mobile device, its range is nearly unlimited. You can browse the web whenever you want, whether at home or on the go, as long as your service covers your region.
Meanwhile, since Wi-Fi only operates in a fixed area, its range is restricted to the router's capabilities. Even though the connection is fixed, modern routers can give rapid data connectivity up to 300 feet. You can enjoy a smooth and fluid surfing experience as long as you are inside the network's range.
Bandwidth
Depending on the specification, Wi-Fi networks provide data connection speeds ranging from 11 Mbps to 54 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1 Gbps. The new Wi-Fi 6 can reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
Cellular networks, however, have significantly closed the gap with the advent of the 4G LTE standard, delivering speeds up to 1 Gbps, allowing users to experience high-bandwidth IoT applications. With the introduction of the 5G standard, cellular networks will revolutionize data transmission speeds, even delivering speeds as high as 10 Gbps.
Comparison Chart: Wi-Fi Vs LTE
| Parameters | Wi-Fi | LTE |
| Operating Band | Between 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz and 5725 MHz to 5820 MHz | Between 3400 MHz to 3600 MHz and 3600 MHz to 3800 MHz |
| Bandwidth Frequency | OFDM principle at frequencies of 20 and 40 MHz | OFDMA or SC-OFDM modulation and runs on 1.4 MHz, 5 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, and 40 MHz |
| Frequency Stability | Standard stability of 20 ppm | Standard stability of 0.25 ppm |
| Power Source Control | The power source is only accessible in an open loop | The power supply can be open or closed-loop |
| Features | IP level and provides minimum security | Telecom level and provides maximum security |
FAQ
Why Is LTE Better Than Wi-Fi?
It is the most rapidly expanding wireless network for smartphones and mobile devices. LTE provides more capacity, which means faster connection speeds and stronger underlying technologies for voice calls (VoIP) and multimedia streaming. It is better suited for heavy and bandwidth-intensive mobile apps.
What Is the Purpose of LAN?
A local-area network (LAN) links computer hardware in a small region, such as a house or workplace. LANs often employ cable connections to connect computers and several peripheral devices, such as printers. Devices linked to a LAN can access data from any other computer on the network. Users on a LAN can connect with one another through chat or email.
Is LTE a Type of Wi-Fi?
LTE and Wi-Fi are wireless networking technologies with comparable throughputs, but that's where the similarities stop. Because LTE is a public networking technology, it includes all the security protections necessary to safeguard user data and devices. LTE can transfer user data sessions across towers to provide continuous connection. Because Wi-Fi is supposed to be local, it was not designed to hand over sessions across access points. This implies that your session will be lost if you travel between access points, even if they are on the same network.
Conclusion
The usage of the internet has risen dramatically in recent years. LTE or mobile broadband and Wi-Fi are introduced for quick and simple internet access and to execute data setup functions. Given the high-capacity requirements and specialized use cases like enabling IoT-enabled devices, the LTE standard is emerging as the victor for business networks.
