4G против WiFi: понимание различий для лучшей связи

Did you know that in 2024, the number of internet users worldwide was 5.44 billion? This means that around two thirds of the global population are accessing the internet every day. In today’s fast moving world, having reliable connectivity and internet access has become crucial for both personal and professional activities. Various wireless technologies have revolutionized how people and businesses communicate, navigate, and interact within the digital landscape, and 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WiFi are two such technologies most widely used throughout the world. Both 4G LTE and WiFi have been instrumental in bringing significant levels of efficiency, convenience, and security to personal and business spaces. Both of these technologies come with their own set of advantages and limitations, making them suitable for different use cases.

This article will explore the key features of both 4G LTE and WiFi and compare their performance in terms of factors such as speed, coverage, reliability, cost, and security. This article will also provide an overview of the ideal applications for each technology to help users determine and make well-informed decisions regarding which technology to use for their specific use cases.

Что такое 4G LTE?

4G LTE is a wireless broadband standard of the fourth generation of mobile networks. The key differentiating factor of 4G LTE from its predecessors like 3G and WiMAX is that it uses radio waves instead of microwaves. This enables 4G LTE to have better penetration, coverage, and range. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is responsible for developing the standards for this high-speed wireless technology. 4G LTE is designed for low latency and high bandwidth, which could be as high as 100 Mbps on the downlink and up to 50 Mbps on the uplink. The high bandwidth makes it suitable for applications that require fast access to content like video applications, and the low latency makes it ideal for time-sensitive applications like voice services or IoT applications. 

4G LTE has an all IP flat networking structure enabling them to be used in new converging services based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The backward compatibility of 4G LTE technology provides great flexibility and convenience for users. The architecture of 4G is modular and scalable and hence the network can be expanded easily to meet higher demands. Even with the evolution of technology into 5G and beyond, 4G LTE still remains a force to be reckoned with among the cellular technologies used today.

Что такое WiFi?

Wireless Fidelity, commonly known as WiFi, is a technology that carries information between physical internet devices like routers, switches, or repeaters and end-user devices like mobile phones, computers, and IoT devices over radio frequency transmissions without any wired infrastructure. Due to their simplicity, Wi-Fi networks are now available in most public venues such as offices, airports, hotels, coffee shops, and libraries, besides domestic WiFi networks. 

WiFi networks generally operate in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency ranges and typically, the higher the frequency, the higher the speed of the connectivity. The most commonly used protocols in WiFi include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac which are standardized by IEEE. They each come with unique operating frequency ranges, maximum data rates, and modulation techniques.

There are four main types of WiFi networks based on the network coverage area. WLAN (Local Area Network), which is commonly used in commercial and residential applications or use cases with small coverage areas. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), which is used for applications that demand more expansive coverage, like universities or a part of a city. PAN (Personal Area Network) which is used for applications that need to connect a minimal number of devices within a very small coverage area, like a single room. WAN (Wide Area Network) which is used for broad coverage areas like an entire region, state, or country.

The table below will provide a quick overview of the key features and differences between 4G LTE and WiFi, which will be discussed in more detail later in this article.

Speed Comparison: 4G LTE vs. Wi-Fi

When considering the speed, 4G LTE and WiFi both are leaps ahead when compared to the previous generations of communication technology.

4G LTE offers speeds up to 100 Mbps on the download. However, in practical scenarios, 4G LTE typically has download speeds ranging from 9-60 Mbps. Upload speeds of 4G LTE typically range between 1 to 30 Mbps.

WiFi offers substantially higher data speeds. Speed of the WiFi network will depend on the standard. WiFi in the 5 GHz frequency band can offer a maximum theoretical speed of 6.9 Gbps, but in practical scenarios, speeds typically range between 100-300 Mbps, depending on factors like router quality and network congestion. WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E can offer speeds up to 9.6 Gbps. The actual achievable speed for a network, whether it is 4G LTE or WiFi will depend on different factors such as distance from the access point or cellular tower, signal interference, and the capabilities of the connected devices. There can be situations where 4G LTE connections can provide faster and more reliable speeds compared to Wi-Fi.

Considering real-life applications, for high-definition streaming, WiFi provides a smoother experience due to its high bandwidth and features such as MIMO. For applications like gaming that require real time connectivity with minimal latency, WiFi is the better option. However, for applications that require widespread coverage and reliability rather than maximum speed, 4G LTE would be a better option.

Coverage and Mobility

When considering the coverage and mobility, 4G LTE is significantly better with the ability to provide widespread network coverage. The coverage of 4G LTE is typically nationwide to all subscribers, while in WiFi it is limited to a comparatively smaller area. Since 4G LTE is accessed through a mobile device, as long as the cellular network provider covers the area, users can conveniently access the internet regardless of whether the user is at home or in transit.

WiFi is typically a local area network and hence the coverage is very limited. WiFi coverage is generally provided in three main ways which are indoor AP (access point) direct coverage, indoor AP combined road distribution system coverage, and outdoor AP direct coverage. As soon as the user device exits the coverage area of the AP, the signal will degrade considerably. Generally, the WiFi coverage area is around 300 ft from the access point. In terms of mobility, 4G LTE is better as they are specifically designed for mobile devices and support seamless roaming. WiFi has limited mobility and is primarily suitable for devices that will be within a short region from the access point. However, as long as the user device is within the WiFi network’s range, a smooth and seamless browsing can be experienced.

Latency and Reliability

Both 4G LTE and WiFi are impressive in terms of their reduced latencies. 4G LTE typically has latencies between 20 to 50 milliseconds. This latency, however, varies depending on the source of the data transmission, destination of the data transmission, the interferences in between them, and the traffic on the network. The performance of a 4G LTE connected device can degrade significantly in congested networks, since increased load on cell towers can cause delays and dropped connections. WiFi networks generally have lower latency levels under optimal conditions. However, with factors like physical barriers, interference from neighboring networks and router quality, the latency of WiFi can be significantly changed.

Modern WiFi networks that are setup with technologies like MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming have improved the overall efficiency of the network and hence they experience low latencies even in crowded environments. Overall, in controlled environments where the devices are in close proximity with the network devices, WiFi offers more stable and reliable connection with minimal latency, than 4G LTE. So basically in locations like office buildings or homes, it is better to have a WiFi connection.

The reliability of 4G LTE networks depends on the cellular network infrastructure that is in place. However, in a well covered area 4G LTE can be used even with mission critical real time applications.

Cost and Accessibility

4G LTE is provided by mobile carriers and the costs associated with it are based on the data plans. 4G LTE data plans can incur additional costs based on usage, especially when used with limited data plans. However, for users’ convenience, there are both prepaid and postpaid options available. Considering the cost, WiFi mainly incurs an upfront cost to install the required network infrastructure. WiFi costs generally include the cost for the fixed line broadband service and the initial investment on a router. These costs can vary depending on the Internet Service Provider (ISP). WiFi is generally a better option for applications that are heavy in internet usage. Typically, for homes and offices, WiFi solutions tend to be the cost-effective solution.

Considering accessibility, 4G LTE is available wherever there is 4G LTE cellular coverage. For applications or users that need to access the internet from varying locations, 4G LTE would be a better option. 4G LTE is an accessible option for areas where wired WiFi infrastructure is not feasible. Hence, 4G LTE is a more versatile solution in terms of accessibility. WiFi requires a fixed line broadband connection and is generally accessible within the coverage area of the network infrastructure. WiFi is accessible and more convenient to be used in homes, businesses, and public venues such as cafes, airports, and libraries.

Security and Privacy

Although no network is 100 percent secure, 4G LTE networks are generally considered more secure than WiFi. They use encryption protocols against eavesdropping and interception to securely transmit data. Also, their updates and system level tasks are managed by the mobile carriers itself and hence the protection is consistent across the network. Since even a minor issue concerning users’ privacy and security could lead to the loss of reputation and business and even substantial financial losses, 4G LTE network carriers maintain high security standards.

In WiFi networks, although they use encryption protocols such as WPA3 and WPA2 to securely transmit data, the level of security can depend on several factors like the user settings, the strength of passwords used, the frequency of updating router firmware, etc. Hence, the security and privacy of a WiFi network is heavily reliant on the user. Another factor that affects the vulnerability of WiFi users is the presence of fake WiFi networks to which users might connect without awareness. This will provide access to the users’ browsing activity. Especially in public WiFi networks, they are often insecure and are subject to activities like traffic snooping.

4G LTE uses token-based (SIM card) authorization which is generally secure. However, with SIM cloning, even 4G LTE could be subject to network spoofing. Practices like using virtual private networks (VPN), strong passwords, and maintaining up-to-date firmware and software are recommended for better security and privacy.

Use Cases: When to Choose 4G LTE vs. Wi-Fi

Deciding between 4G LTE and WiFi depends totally on the requirement of the application. 4G LTE is ideal for applications that require on-the-go connectivity. As discussed, users can access the internet from anywhere that has 4G LTE network coverage. Hence, users can stay connected regardless of the location as long as that region is covered by the cellular network providers. 4G LTE is also useful in regions where fixed-line broadband infrastructure is not feasible to achieve high speed internet access. 4G LTE can also be used as a backup solution in times when WiFi broadband connections fail to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

Wi-Fi is ideal for applications that are used within a limited area such as within homes and offices. Within the coverage area from the access points,  WiFi is able to provide high speed and stable internet connectivity. WiFi is also used to connect smart and IoT backed devices in homes and offices. WiFi is extremely effective for applications that are data intensive such as streaming, gaming, and downloading activities. WiFi is able to handle a large number of users simultaneously. Hence, WiFi networks are ideal for locations that need multiple devices to be connected simultaneously, such as in households and workplaces.

Certain modern solutions require a hybrid of both 4G LTE and WiFi networks to maximize benefits. Especially in IoT applications, the ability of devices to automatically switch between LTE and Wi-Fi based on availability and quality of network will ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Заключение

As discussed throughout the article, both 4G LTE and Wi-Fi have their unique strengths in terms of speed, coverage, stability, security etc. 4G LTE is able to provide mobile connectivity throughout a wide coverage area. They are ideal for on-the-go connectivity and for areas that are not feasible for fixed line broadband infrastructure. Wi-Fi is able to provide high speed, stable connections for applications that are used within the coverage area of the WiFi routers or access points. WiFi is also cost-effective for data intensive activities. Deciding between 4G LTE and WiFi depends entirely on the application. When deciding, users need to be mindful of factors such as mobility, coverage, security, cost etc. By proper understanding of the key features, the differentiating factors and the unique advantages of each technology, users will be able to make an informed decision on whether to use 4G LTE or WiFi to best meet the requirements of the use case.