Wi-Fi vs Thread: Which is Better?
As technology advances, we are constantly looking for ways to make our devices more efficient and our lives easier. When it comes to connectivity for IoT devices, Wi-Fi has long been the go-to standard. However, there is a new connectivity option in town: Thread. In this blog post, we'll compare Wi-Fi and Thread and help you make an informed choice.
The Basics
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections. It has been around for more than two decades, and it's widely accepted as one of the most popular connectivity standards.
Thread is an IP-based wireless protocol that has been developed for IoT devices. It's designed to offer a reliable and secure connection to devices, which means that it's an excellent solution for smart homes, buildings, and offices.
Range
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a connectivity standard is its range. Wi-Fi has an average range of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for most homes, apartments, and small offices. However, if you need to connect devices in a large office, you may require additional access points to cover the extra range.
Thread, on the other hand, has a range of up to 700 meters in open spaces, which makes it an excellent choice for large buildings, smart cities, and industrial facilities requiring coverage over greater distances.
Bandwidth
Both Wi-Fi and Thread offer excellent throughput, but Wi-Fi is the winner when it comes to bandwidth. The latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, can provide up to 9.6 Gbps of data throughput, while the Thread standard currently offers up to 1.2 Mbps.
Power Consumption
When it comes to power consumption, Thread emerges as the clear winner. It's designed to use minimal power, which means that it can operate for months or even years on battery power alone. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, consumes more power, which makes it less ideal for battery-powered devices such as sensors, door locks, and other low-power IoT devices.
Security
The security of IoT devices is always a major concern, and both Wi-Fi and Thread are secure protocols. However, Thread has been designed from the ground up to offer excellent security features, such as built-in encryption and secure routing. These features make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your devices or your network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Wi-Fi and Thread are excellent connectivity options for IoT devices, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Wi-Fi is ideal for devices that require high bandwidth, such as video streaming, while Thread is perfect for devices that require low power consumption and extended range. By understanding these differences, you can choose the best protocol for your specific needs.
Sources:
- Wi-Fi Alliance. (2021). Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ delivers new Wi-Fi® era. https://www.wi-fi.org/news-events/newsroom/wi-fi-certified-6-delivers-new-wi-fi-era.
- Thread Group. (2021). What is Thread? https://www.threadgroup.org/What-is-Thread/Overview.