WiFi vs. Private Cellular Networks: Why Businesses Need Both
Today, connectivity isn’t a luxury, it’s practically a necessity.
The Importance of Multiple Technologies for Holistic On-Site Connectivity
Today, connectivity isn’t a luxury, it’s practically a necessity. Industries ranging from manufacturing to hospitality are leveraging connected technology to supercharge their efficiency and productivity. In turn, enabling modern IT infrastructure, with a blend of technology mediums powering specific use cases, is a necessity for virtually any business to stay competitive.
Both private cellular networks and WiFi can provide the connectivity needed to power diverse technologies. Which network do you need for your use case? Cox Private Networks is here to help you find out. Read on to learn what exactly powers each kind of network, key differences between both, and which technology works best for different spaces.
What is a Private Cellular Network?
Differences Between Private Cellular Networks and WiFi
- Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi in Mobile & Stationary Use Cases
- Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Output Power
- Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Range
- Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Capacity
- Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Security
- Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Cost
Ideal Use Cases for Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Within Your Facility
What is a Private Cellular Network?
Often also referred to as mobile networks, cellular networks are communication systems that enable wireless communication between mobile devices. Private cellular networks are specifically configured by private companies to offer dedicated, customized cellular access to singular environments. In turn, these networks provide dedicated infrastructure and LTE/5G cellular connectivity designed for specific use cases, supplying businesses with cellular benefits and direct control over network characteristics and set-up.
What is a WiFi Network?
WiFi networks refer to any internet connection shared between devices using a wireless router. These routers provide internet by connecting directly to internet modems, acting as a hub to broadcast signals to WiFi enabled devices — such as televisions, smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, and laptops — using radio waves.
Enabling WiFi access in a home or apartment is often paid for via a subscription. This subscription pays for general access to the network itself across devices, accessible via choosing the network or by inputting a passcode.
Differences Between Private Cellular Networks and WiFi
Beyond the ways they connect devices, private cellular networks and WiFi connections have differences in their capabilities. Each option presents significant benefits depending on the use case: organizations will benefit from using private cellular networks and WiFi in tandem, and modern IT infrastructure typically leverages both.
When choosing when to use one option or the other within a facility, network technicians need to consider several factors — including output power, environment, speed, security, frequency, and more. Additionally, working with an end-to-end provider that works with a wide range of wireless technology — such as Cox Private Networks — can help guide onsite IT teams (or network technicians) on pairing the right technology to the right use case for an optimized, efficient network.
A Side-by-Side Look at Cellular Networks vs. WiFi
Differences in Mobile & Stationary Use Cases
While WiFi networks can provide reliable, strong signals to stationary technology such as printers and laptops, technology on-the-move such as iPads, inventory scanners, and push-to-talk radios are often better served by connection to private cellular networks — especially in larger facilities. Because WiFi access points offer a centralized signal in one specific area, stationary devices can receive consistent connectivity when connected via a WiFi network. When moving through a larger facility, however, devices may experience signal interruption as they move farther from access points.
This is due to what is known as the “sticky client problem.” As these devices travel through a space, they may become “stuck” on one WiFi access point — even as they travel across a space and approach a closer access point. This leads to drops in coverage as the device disconnects from the first access point and connects to the second, disrupting connectivity and workflow.
While connected to a private cellular network, users won’t run into this issue; cellular was built to handle devices moving quickly and provides seamless handoffs as devices move through a facility. In turn, private cellular networks provide a more consistent connection for these high-mobility use cases.
Differences in Output Power
Private cellular networks typically exceed WiFi networks in terms of output power. Typically, private cellular provides coverage with at least 4x more output power than a typical indoor WiFi access point. In turn, private cellular networks are ideal for larger, sprawling spaces, both indoors and outdoors, that need a consistent connection throughout.
Differences in Range
WiFi has a far more limited range when compared to cellular networks. Connection to a WiFi network will change based on proximity to a router. In confined spaces such as homes, apartments, and restaurants, network uses will rarely be far enough from a router to impact connection to a network.
However, in buildings with high ceilings, sprawling campuses, and outdoor/hybrid spaces, WiFi signals can be less stable and prone to interference. For these larger spaces, private cellular access is a more reliable option. Warehouses, campuses, and mixed-use environments would require multiple WiFi routers to achieve the same range as a cellular network.
The range of WiFi is also diminished within highly reflective environments. Environments can become reflective when they contain more metallic materials (such as stocked shelves, vehicles, equipment and metal containers, etc.) — exceedingly common in spaces such as distribution facilities. In these facilities, private cellular’s range actually gains signal strength from reflections, making it a better choice for reliable, broad coverage.
Differences in Capacity
Where speed does become a factor for connectivity between cellular and WiFi networks is within capacity. WiFi can handle most smaller groups of people without issue. However, once devices begin to reach the hundreds, a single WiFi router will likely experience significant network slowdown.
Private cellular networks are designed to handle more devices over a larger expanse of space. In turn, for use cases requiring a higher number of devices, cellular is likely the better solution.
Differences in Security
Both WiFi networks and cellular networks can be incredibly secure for users — although they offer different security capabilities out of the box. There’s a misconception that WiFi networks are inherently less secure than cellular networks. This misconception, however, springs from public WiFi networks, such as those offered in apartment building lobbies and coffee-shops. Because WiFi doesn’t have the same standards for implementation as cellular networks, some operators for these public networks may gloss over essential steps toward security.
While working with a trusted provider of enterprise-grade networks, however, these pitfalls can and will be avoided. Enterprise-grade WiFi networks — such as the CoxWiFi network — leverage highly qualified teams to lock down networks, enable best practices, and update encryption algorithms. When purchasing enterprise-grade WiFi, customers can trust their networks are leveraging essential security measures to protect users.
Cellular networks typically enable security best practices as part of their inherent structure. For example, while WiFi networks require an operator to enable SIM-based authentication, cellular networks offer such authentication by default. In turn, cellular networks support and enable easier implementation of the security practices leveraged by enterprise networks.
Owners of private networks can also add authorized users to their network. These users are specifically authorized to leverage network connectivity, excluding unauthorized users from network access. This capability can better control who’s coming onto the network, thus further improving network security.
Cost of Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi
The cost of connecting a facility via a private cellular network versus a WiFi connection also depends on the nature of a use case. To achieve the highest level of cost efficiency, facilities need to balance use of WiFi and private cellular connections to maximize connectivity.
Take a sample case study within a manufacturing environment. Originally, this manufacturing environment had only WiFi to cover their warehouse area; because of this, they experienced significant connectivity issues. When this facility installed private cellular within their warehouse area instead, they eliminated these connectivity issues. Meanwhile, this facility still has WiFi for other stationary use cases (in their office area for computers and printers).
Ideal Use Cases for Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Within Your Facility
As we’ve already mentioned, both WiFi and Private Cellular Networks are necessary to achieve maximum connectivity and cost efficiency within your facility. Using the differences we’ve discussed above, let's take a look at what parts of your facility will work best with either WiFi or private cellular networks.
Ideal Use Cases for WiFi
WiFi is designed to provide connectivity to technology in smaller, isolated environments & rooms. For stationary pieces of your connected infrastructure, alongside areas with smaller, consolidated capacities of both users and square footage, WiFi is usually an ideal, cost-effective option. WiFi is best implemented within specific rooms or areas of operation in mind, rather than facility-wide use.
Ideal Uses Cases for Private Cellular Networks
Private cellular networks are built to provide reliable connectivity across sprawling, reflective environments. Able to overcome reflective environments and consistent connections for technology on the move, private cellular networks offer a premium network connection for areas where WiFi signals can’t extend as far as is necessary.
Build Connectivity to Support Your Unique Use Case With Cox Private Networks
Whatever your use case, hiring a team of experts is the key way to help maximize connectivity. Cox Private Networks is here to help. Our experienced team will consult with you, discovering your specific desired use cases and connectivity pain points. From there, we’ll holistically consider what technology best suits your needs. Contact us today and start the process of optimizing your connectivity.
