What Is the Difference Between WiFi and LTE? How Do You Distinguish?

You can use LTE or wifi to surf the Internet and perform activities that require a data connection. What is the difference between wifi and lte? This article will give you a detailed explanation. Let’s dive in!

LTE vs WiFi

What Is WiFi?

WiFi is a wireless network protocol that allows devices (routers, phones, and computers) to communicate without an internet cable. It is based on the 802.11 IEEE network standard. 

For more details, head over to our guide of “What is WiFi?”

What is wifi and its features

What is LTE?

LTE (or Long Term Evolution) is a wireless 4G broadband standard. It provides the fastest wireless network for mobile clients. 

LTE offers higher bandwidth, which means faster connection speeds and better underlying technologies for voice calls (VoIP) and multimedia streaming. This is suitable for heavier and bandwidth-intensive applications on mobile devices.

LTE is also a new cellular access network with high spectral efficiency, high peak data rates, short round trip times, and frequency and bandwidth flexibility. 

What is Lte? How does it work?

What Is The Difference Between Wifi And Lte?

Although the goal of both LTE and WiFi is the same—to transmit data over the internet—deciding between the two comes down to technology, range, speed, security, longevity, and stability.

Speeds

The wifi standard has data transmission speeds of 11 Mbps, 54 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1 Gbps, depending on the specification. You can check the accurate speed with a wifi speed test on your devices.

These speeds can vary due to various conditions and circumstances, such as network traffic, bad weather, and the capabilities of each device. 

On the other hand, LTE technology can transfer data at a speed from 100 megabits per second (100 Mbps) to 1 gigabit per second (1 Gbps). 

LTE and WiFi difference in speed

Range 

What is the difference between lte and wifi? Wifi devices need to be within 300 feet of wireless routers to maintain wireless network capabilities, but 4G Lte clients such as smartphones can be miles away from the base station. Thus, 4G Lte is more powerful when it comes to range. 

The Lte standard allows connected devices to cover a wide range of networks, usually nationwide.

WiFi vs LTE technology

Supported Technology

You don't need the best router to connect to your mobile data network when using LTE. All you need to use a public LTE network is a data plan and a mobile device. This allows you to connect to the mobile operator's network. 

On the other hand, to use WiFi, you need a WiFi router to access the Internet from your laptop, smartphone, or other devices.

Security 

Lte provides high-security standards as service providers seek to protect user privacy and protect their data. All security failures mean loss of reputation and business and can even lead to huge financial losses.

Thus, network operators have dedicated cybersecurity experts who develop frequent security updates to minimize risks.

However, wifi is owned and operated by individual companies that may not develop security updates at all or frequently, making consumers vulnerable to cyber risk.

LTE vs wi-fi

Longevity

Nowadays, LTE is rather ubiquitous and has become a major player in the market since it can bridge the gap between 3G and 4G. But even with LTE, several wireless infrastructures that depend on cellular signals have been significantly impacted by the end of 3G. 

Conversely, WiFi is a developing technology that will keep enhancing its range, speed, and security. 

Anything operating at 2.4GHz or 5GHz should be compatible with future standards since WiFi is and always will be backward compatible within a certain band.

Stability

WiFi provides more dependable and steady connections for locations like office buildings and other places where devices are kept reasonably near to one another. 

In places where WiFi isn't practical, LTE can facilitate more dispersed work, but users will still have to cope with problems like cellular reception, where building materials obstruct cellular signals and necessitate repeaters.

See more:

• What is the difference between wifi and cellular?
• What is gig wifi?