WiFi vs. Private Cellular Networks: Why Businesses Need Both

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September 9, 2024

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?

What is a WiFi Network?

Differences Between Private Cellular Networks and WiFi

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.

cellular network vs wifi security

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

Private Network


Attributes

WiFi

Built to seamlessly handoff connectivity between devices moving through a facility

Mobility

Devices often experience signal interruption due to becoming "stuck" to one access point

Can provide connectivity to stationary devices, but is more suited for mobile use cases

Stationary
Use

Seamlessly transmits consistent connectivity to stationary devices

Typically exceeds WiFi — with 4x more output power that a typical indoor WiFi access point

Output
Power

Typically have a lower output power compared to cellular networks

Range is more reliable than WiFi in large, sprawling spaces with high ceilings, outdoor spaces, and campuses

Range

More limited range based on immediate proximity to network access points

Can deliver connectivity to hundreds of devices over a large expanse of space

Capacity

Can deliver seamless connectivity to smaller number of devices in a given area

Typically enable security best practices as part of their inherent structure, with additional owner control over who can access the network

Security

Enterprise-grade WiFi leverages essential security measures to protect uses, but requires an operator to enable SIM-based authentication

For maximum cost-efficiency, facilities need to balance their use of WiFi and private cellular connections

Cost

For maximum cost-efficiency, facilities need to balance their use of WiFi and private cellular connections

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).

private cellular vs wifi speed differences

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.

Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Speed

There is no overall speed difference between cellular networks and WiFi technology; any variations in speed depend almost entirely on the type of infrastructure used to support either solution, the distance of a device from network access points, and the amount of users on a network. WiFi providers typically offer multiple packages to customers; consumer packages may feature download speeds from 300 Mbps to 2 Gig.

The same can be said for private network providers; providers such as Cox Private Networks will dictate network speed based on the unique needs of a specific environment. As with WiFi, consumers can choose the speed needed for their use case. Altogether, speed is not a primary factor when choosing between cellular networks and WiFi.

Strengths of Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi in Specific Use Cases

With advantages and disadvantages to each piece of technology, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution between private cellular networks and WiFi. Both private cellular networks and WiFi offer immense utility to different environments — here are a few examples how.

Small Businesses

Many small businesses (such as cafes, restaurants, and hair salons) encompass just a few rooms. For these environments, wireless connections often only have to span a small space, with a low volume of devices using a network at any given time. In turn, WiFi is almost always the best option for these spaces. 

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces tend to be best served by private cellular networks over WiFi. The small range of WiFi routers typically fail to extend throughout an outdoor space, thus requiring multiple access points. Leveraging the amount of access points necessary to cover a large outdoor space is both expensive and impractical, requiring several electrical outlets which may be hard to come by.

Hybrid Campuses

Due to combining multiple use cases at once, hybrid campuses are frequently best served by a combination of both WiFi and private cellular connectivity. Take an expansive resort, for example. A singular lobby or office space may be best served by a local router. Meanwhile, across a sprawling outdoor pool area, cellular compatibility will offer better access to guests.