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Frequently Asked Questions

WiFi

WiFi vs Cellular?

Some argue that WiFi and related consumer technologies hold the key to replacing cellular telephone networks such as GSM. Some obstacles to this happening in the near future are missing roaming and authentication features (see 802.1x, SIM cards and RADIUS), the narrowness of the available spectrum and the limited range of WiFi. Despite such problems, companies like Zyxel, SocketIP and Symbol Technologies are offering telephony platforms ie Central Office replacements and terminals (phones) that use WiFi transport.

Many operators are now selling mobile internet products that link cellular wireless and WiFi radio system in a more or less transparent way to take advantage of the benefits of both systems. Future wireless systems are expected to routinely switch between a variety of radio systems.

The term 4G is occasionally used for WiFi, the implication being that the bandwidth and capabilities offered are already greater than those promised by the 3G cellular telephone standards.

The main difference between cellular and WiFi is that the cellular system uses the licensed spectrum, and WiFi is implemented in unlicensed bands. The economic basis for its implementation is therefore completely different. The success of WiFi has made many people look to the unlicensed spectrum as the future of wireless access, rather than the spectrum licensed and controlled by large corporations.