As technology continues to advance, more and more everyday devices are becoming "smart". This has led to an increase in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These devices rely on communication with the internet, and two common ways of achieving this are Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. In this blog post, we will compare Wi-Fi and cellular for IoT devices objectively and look at the pros and cons of each option.
Coverage Area
When it comes to coverage area, cellular connectivity beats Wi-Fi hands down. The reason is simple; cell towers are more widespread, and IoT devices can connect to them from almost anywhere. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, has a limited coverage area since its range depends on the router's location. However, with the advancement of Wi-Fi technology like mesh networks, it is possible to expand the coverage area to some degree.
Speed
Another important factor to consider is speed. Wi-Fi, especially if you have a high-end router, can provide faster internet speeds than cellular connectivity. This is because Wi-Fi routers typically offer higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to cellular networks.
Cost
The cost of cellular connectivity is much higher compared to Wi-Fi, where you only have to pay for your internet service provider's monthly fee. Cellular connectivity, on the other hand, requires users to pay for data plans, which can quickly add up when many IoT devices are in use. However, keep in mind that with Wi-Fi, you need to have a stable and reliable internet connection, which may require an upgrade to a higher-speed plan or router.
Battery Life
IoT devices often run on batteries, and this is where cellular connectivity has an advantage over Wi-Fi. Cellular networks use less power, which offers better battery life for IoT devices. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, requires more power to maintain a connection, leading to faster battery drain.
Security
When it comes to security, Wi-Fi offers a more secure connection than cellular networks. Wi-Fi connections are encrypted, and if set up correctly, prevent unauthorized access. Cellular networks are also secure but susceptible to hacking, as seen in recent news stories involving SIM swapping attacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is difficult to say which is better between Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity for IoT devices. The choice ultimately depends on your specific use case and the device's requirements. If your IoT devices are stationary and don't require a lot of connectivity, Wi-Fi might be the better choice. However, if you have a lot of mobile IoT devices that require constant tracking and communication, cellular connectivity is probably more suitable.
References
- Greenberg, A. (2019, April 9). You Can't Hack What You Can't Reach: Researchers Cut Ubiquiti's Link to the Cloud. Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/you-cant-hack-what-you-cant-reach-ubiquiti-networks-cloud/
- Linthicum, D. (2019, May 16). How to choose the right Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology for IoT connectivity. ZDNet. https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-choose-the-right-wi-fi-and-bluetooth-technology-for-iot-connectivity/
- MBTelehealth. (n.d.). Wi-Fi vs. Cellular IoT Connectivity: Which is Better for your Application? Digi-Key. https://www.digikey.ca/en/articles/wifi-vs-cellular-iot-connectivity-which-is-better-for-your-application