Wi-Fi vs Cellular - Which Wireless Standard is Better for IoT Devices?
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are on the rise and play an integral part in our daily lives from monitoring our health to automating our homes. But what is the best wireless standard for IoT devices? Is Wi-Fi the way to go or is cellular a better option?
In this blog post, we'll compare Wi-Fi vs cellular wireless standards, so you can make an informed decision when selecting a wireless standard for your IoT device.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a popular wireless standard that has been in use for many years. It’s most commonly used for internet connectivity in homes and offices. It’s relatively cheap and offers fast data speeds, making it ideal for IoT devices with high data requirements such as video cameras.
However, Wi-Fi has some limitations. For instance, it has a limited range of 150-300ft and can be affected by obstructions such as walls and barriers. Moreover, Wi-Fi is not always available, especially in remote areas.
Also, Wi-Fi requires a power source since IoT devices rely on battery power, it means they need to be recharged frequently.
Cellular
Cellular is a wireless standard that provides internet connectivity over cellular networks. It’s commonly used in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. However, cellular is also ideal for IoT devices since it provides a wide range of network coverage, even in remote areas.
Moreover, cellular does not rely on a power source. Instead, IoT devices using cellular can rely on a cellular network to transmit data, making them useful in hard-to-reach places or in areas with no power sources.
However, cellular has a few downsides. One of the challenges is the coverage area. Since cellular connectivity relies on the proximity of cellular towers, some remote areas may not have coverage.
Also, cellular networks have data caps that limit the amount of data that can be sent or received. IoT devices with high data requirements may find their data usage limited.
Wi-Fi vs Cellular - A Comparison
Wi-Fi and cellular wireless standards both have their pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the crucial factors to consider when choosing which wireless standard for your IoT device.
Range Wi-Fi has a standard range of 150-300ft, which can be limited by obstacles. In contrast, cellular networks cover a more extensive range than Wi-Fi and offer more reliable coverage, making it ideal for IoT devices.
Data Speeds Wi-Fi provides faster data speeds than cellular networks. However, cellular network speeds are continually improving, meaning that soon, they will offer the same speeds as Wi-Fi.
Power Source Wi-Fi requires a power source, while cellular is independent of a power source. IoT devices using cellular can rely on a cellular network to transmit data, even in remote areas with no power source.
Cost Wi-Fi is relatively cheap, while cellular is more expensive. IoT devices using cellular networks will require a monthly or yearly data plan, which can add up quickly.
Conclusion
Both Wi-Fi and cellular wireless standards are suitable for IoT devices. The best wireless standard for your IoT device depends on your requirements.
If your IoT device requires high data speeds, Wi-Fi is the way to go. However, if you need reliable coverage, even in remote or hard-to-reach areas, cellular is your best bet.
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