Do Businesses Need Both Wi-Fi And Cellular Connectivity?
A lot of businesses today, large and small, are adapting to more tech-savvy methods. With the demand for new technology or technology integration comes the demand for higher and better quality connectivity. But do businesses need both wifi and cellular connectivity for a comprehensive and reliable network?
The short and easy answer is, yes. If you want your business to have a reliable, high-bandwidth connection within a fixed location (Wi-Fi) and essential mobility that has a wider coverage (cellular/mobile networks), then you’re going to need to invest in both.
Keep reading to discover why businesses could benefit from using both Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
Jump to section:
- What Is A Wi-Fi Network?
- What Is A Cellular Network?
- The Difference Between Wi-Fi And Cellular Networks
- Why A Combination Could Be Useful
- How To Choose What’s Best For Your Business
What Is A Wi-Fi Network?
A Wi-Fi network is an internet connection that is shared between devices using a wireless router. A router provides internet by connecting to an internet modem. This then broadcasts the signals to Wi-Fi-enabled devices through the use of radio waves. This is how things such as mobile phones, laptops, and smart TVs stay connected.
To gain a Wi-Fi connection in your home or business, you typically sign up for a paid subscription. You will then be granted access to the internet by connecting to the network you pay for.
What Is A Cellular Network?
A cellular network, or mobile network, is a system that allows wireless communication between mobile devices. It does this by dividing a large geographical area into smaller ones, named “Cells”. These cells each serve a base location that provides mobile network and data services. Calls can be made from mobiles and Internet of Things devices, by seamlessly switching between base stations as they’re on the move.
The Difference Between Wi-Fi And Cellular Networks
Mobile networks and Wi-Fi connections are different in what they are capable of offering. For example, Wi-Fi is better suited for inside a building and for use on stationary objects. It generally offers a more stable connection for more devices, and the connection tends to be faster, too. On the other hand, a cellular network is best for businesses that have staff out in the field, remote workers, or as a backup in case the Wi-Fi drops.
| Features | Mobile Network | Wi-Fi |
| Mobility | Seamlessly hands off connectivity through the use of base stations, so connection is possible while on the move. | Moving too far away from the area which the Wi-Fi covers can cause signal drops and poor connectivity. |
| Power Output | Typically has 4x more power output than an indoor Wi-Fi access point. | Typically has a lower power output than a cellular network. |
| Range | The range of a mobile network is more reliable and larger, especially in open indoor and outdoor spaces. | For a better range when using Wi-Fi, you typically need to be closer to the access point. This can be difficult in larger spaces. |
| Capacity | Can deliver connectivity to hundreds of devices at once over a large area of space. | Can deliver a strong, seamless connection to a number of devices in a small given area. |
| Security | Cellular networks typically include security best practices within their inherent structure. | Private, password-protected Wi-Fi is typically secure; public Wi-Fi is generally insecure and vulnerable to cyberattacks. |
If you’re curious about the difference between making calls using a mobile network or Wi-Fi, take a look at our article, “Wi-Fi VS. Cellular Calling”.
Why A Combination Could Be Useful
Depending on your business, what it offers, how it offers its services, the number of employees, and how these employees work, it could be optimal for you to invest in both Wi-Fi and a cellular network.
Reliability
If your business relies heavily on being connected and online, any downtime can be a major issue. To combat this, use both Wi-Fi and a mobile network. This way, if one of them fails, you know you will always have a backup plan.
Mobility
With both cellular and Wi-Fi, you can keep your employees connected from anywhere. That means if they are out in the field or working from home, cellular will be needed, whereas if they are in the office or building, Wi-Fi could be preferred.
Business Demands
Most businesses rely heavily on connectivity due to IoT devices and the technology needed to keep the businesses running smoothly. Combining both network connections – mobile and Wi-Fi – will allow you to meet the demands of the business without overloading one particular network.
Specialised Businesses
Specialised businesses such as those in industrial or logistic settings, or even those in healthcare, may need to rely on a combination of both cellular and Wi-Fi to ensure their business keeps running. This allows them to use cellular for their wide-area needs, while using Wi-Fi for their smaller, localised indoor spaces.
How To Choose What’s Best For Your Business
When it comes to choosing which is best for your own business (Wi-Fi, Cellular, or both), you should consider the following things:
The number of users and usage: If you have a small team of yourself and one or two others, you can probably get away with using just Cellualr. However, if you have a bigger team and/or need to make regular video calls and use shared drives, a dedicated Wi-Fi might be better.
- Understand downtime risks: If your business relies heavily on staying connected, you need to weigh up the risks of suddenly losing connection. This can be combated by using both Wi-Fi and cellular.
- Business growth: If you know/intend to grow your business within the next few years or months, it could be worth investing in a better connection now, so that it’s up and running once you do expand.
- Your business’s location: You might find yourself in a location where the cellular network signal is poor, or a fibre Wi-Fi installation is not possible, such as a farm or other rural setting. If this is the case, investing in both could be pointless.
- The installation and running costs: Having Wi-Fi installed and then paying the monthly subscription might be something that is out of the business’s budget for now. Weigh up the pros and cons before deciding whether it’s worth the investment.
How NetCov Can Help
Sometimes, all the options can be overwhelming, and the simplest answer can be the solution. If you don’t feel ready to invest in Wi-Fi, or you don’t think your business needs it, but you want a strong mobile network connection, it could be time to think about signal boosters.
Here at NetCov, we have over 35 years of experience in boosting mobile connectivity. We were founded after discovering that many businesses were relying on Wi-Fi for core business processes, as a strong mobile signal could not be relied on. We make sure businesses across the UK have access to high-performance signal-boosting equipment to boost workplace communication, productivity and profitability.
If this sounds like something your business could benefit from, contact us today, and we will be happy to help boost your mobile signal.