In today’s application-driven and technology-dominated age, the search for a reliable, high-performing internet connection with minimum lag and faster response times continues, leading to the ongoing debate between LTE and WiFi. While WiFi has traditionally been the preferred choice of enterprises, an increasing number of small and large technology companies are recognizing the significant benefits of utilizing cellular networks.
As enterprise networks require high-capacity and support IoT-enabled devices (Internet of Things), the LTE standard is emerging as the preferred choice among enterprise networks. However, is it the right choice for your organization? What distinguishes LTE from WiFi? If you are an enterprise contemplating the deployment of LTE technology to complement or replace your WiFi network, you need to consider various factors.
While LTE provides greater speed and reliability than WiFi, it is typically more expensive and requires more setup time. Additionally, the coverage areas of cellular networks are often limited, whereas WiFi connectivity is widely available. However, LTE technology has recently become more affordable and accessible, particularly if a company can pool devices on the same data plan. Furthermore, LTE’s superior bandwidth and range make it the preferred choice for IoT-enabled devices.
In summary, enterprises must weigh the pros and cons of LTE and WiFi before deciding on deployment. LTE is particularly well-suited for IoT-enabled devices and high-bandwidth applications, while WiFi is generally more convenient and accessible. Ultimately, the decision depends on the needs of the organization and the specific use cases.
The Ongoing Debate of Internet Technology: LTE or WiFi?
Before delving into the LTE vs. WiFi debate, it is essential to briefly understand the LTE internet connection and WiFi standard, which are two prevalent internet technologies.
What Is WiFi?
Inarguably WiFi is a buzzword in the present digital age dominated by smart devices and electronic media. But what does it exactly mean? WiFi is the name given to a wireless networking protocol, which allows us to communicate data wirelessly, that is, without internet cords. A trademark of an international association of companies called WiFi Alliance, the term WiFi represents a type of wireless local area network (LAN) protocol.
A device called a router helps several types of computing devices to connect to the wireless network and send and receive data including files, audio, and video. The router transmits the wireless signal, which facilitates data communication within a fixed location. It’s important to remember that while the term WiFi is used to denote ‘wireless’, the latter is a much broader term.
What is LTE?
LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, is the 4G technology or the 4th generation wireless broadband standard. It is a communication standard designed for data terminals, smartphones, and mobile devices.
The LTE standard is an advanced, high-speed, and highly secure wireless cellular network that offers exceptional reliability, provided a strong LTE signal is available. Due to its superior speed and higher bandwidth, it is highly recommended for bandwidth-heavy applications that rely on fast connectivity. In fact, it is considered the quickest wireless technology for mobile devices and smartphones, thanks to its use of radio waves instead of microwaves, which provides it with better penetration and wider coverage, even in remote areas.
LTE or WiFi- Which is more appropriate?
While both LTE and WiFi serve the same need – to communicate data over the internet – they differ in terms of their technology, range, speed, performance, and bandwidth.
Technology
One of the many advantages of using LTE is that one doesn’t need a router to connect to the cellular data network. To use the public LTE network, all you need are a data plan and a mobile device so that you can connect to your cellular service provider’s network. When using the WiFi on the other hand, a wireless router is needed to access the internet through your laptop, smartphone or any other device.
Security
Quite understandably, when accessing the internet, security is a primary concern for basically everyone and especially if you’re a small or large enterprise that deals with confidential company and client information. Although no network can be 100 % secure, in the LTE vs. WiFi debate, cellular data clearly ranks higher in terms of security, due to several reasons.
An important factor driving the high security standards of cellular data networks is that service providers have strong incentives to protect users’ privacy and safeguard their data. This is because any misstep in the security domain could mean loss of reputation and business, even running the risk of huge financial losses. Therefore, network operators have dedicated cyber security professionals that develop frequent security updates, keeping risks to a minimum. WiFi, on the other hand, is owned and operated by individual entities that may not develop security updates at all or as frequently, increasing consumers’ vulnerability to cyber risks.
Another factor that increases the vulnerability of WiFi users is that it’s possible to create fake WiFi networks to which consumers unsuspectingly connect, practically giving criminals a free virtual tour of their browsing activity. In contrast, in the case of cellular networks, their enormous scale and size are huge deterrents for criminals to create imitations, eliminating the possibility of fake cellular networks.
Lastly since cellular data is encrypted by default, there is no room for error. On the other hand, when using WiFi, you need to turn on the encryption and missing this crucial step is akin to inviting yourself to cyber security threats and hacks. As can be seen, LTE is the clear winner in terms of security which increases its popularity with technological firms and IoT application developers.
Coverage
A clear and significant advantage that cellular networks have is that they provide widespread network coverage, typically nationwide, to subscribers, in contrast to the limited area access provided by WiFi.
Given that WiFi is basically a local area network (LAN), it provides extremely limited coverage. Upon exiting the 300-ft. radius of the router, subscribers lose coverage, compelling them to look for other alternatives. Therefore relying solely on a WiFi network can be severely limiting and inconvenient especially for executives and working professionals who need to travel on a regular basis.
This is why it’s considered almost mandatory to subscribe to a cellular network which offers a much broader coverage no matter where you go. Moreover LTE coverage is expected to expand even further with rapid advancements in cellular technology, especially 5G. To top it all, standard Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) cellular IoT technologies go several notches higher, extending coverage to rural environments, underground tunnels, and buildings.
Bandwidth
How fast is LTE compared to WiFi? Let’s find out. WiFi networks offer a variety of data communication speeds such as 11 Mbps, 54 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1Gbps, depending on the specification. The new WiFi 6 offers speeds as high as 10 Gbps. Until recently, the WiFi standard had a clear advantage over cellular networks in terms of bandwidth or speed.
However, with the introduction of the 4G LTE standard, cellular networks have considerably bridged the gap, offering speeds as fast as 1Gbps that allow users to enjoy video and other high-bandwidth IoT applications. To top it all, with the advent of the 5G standard, cellular networks are poised to revolutionize data transfer speeds, even offering rates as high as 10 Gbps, ensuring little to no difference between the bandwidths offered by the two technologies.
Allocation of Specific Frequency Bands for Various Applications.
Although WiFi and LTE have similar bandwidths, the speed of WiFi can be affected by other factors. This is because WiFi operates on an unlicensed and shared band, which can be utilized by various applications such as Bluetooth, electric meter readers, weather sensors, and remote controls, leading to network slowdowns.
Furthermore, WiFi subscribers have to rely on a “listen before talk” protocol, which requires devices to wait for their turn to “talk” if there is other traffic on the band, causing further delays.
On the other hand, LTE uses specific frequency bands for different applications, reducing the likelihood of a slowdown resulting from competing technologies sharing the same bands.
Moreover, the coordinated frequencies and resources of the LTE standard protocol act as a moderator, controlling traffic on the network. In contrast, WiFi can be likened to a chaotic debate in a gym, with a basketball and volleyball game going on simultaneously, and no moderator trying to speak.
The Influence of 5G on the Prospects of Connectivity in the Future.
Looking for ways to accelerate the LTE standard? Look no further than 5G. As LTE continues to evolve towards 5G, it is predicted to revolutionize cellular networks by providing expanded network capacity, reduced latency, faster response times, and increased bandwidth, potentially tipping the scales in favor of LTE over WiFi.
With its high level of security, scalability, and breadth of coverage, LTE is already gaining momentum, and when combined with the vast potential of 5G, it becomes the clear choice for companies seeking to stay connected. If your business has yet to take advantage of LTE technology, now is the perfect time to do so as relying solely on WiFi for connectivity is not a wise decision.
WilsonPro, the leading provider of cellular signal repeater solutions, can assist in enhancing your building’s cellular network, improving its reliability, speed, performance, and security, whether you are planning to deploy the LTE standard to supplement or replace your WiFi network.
