Terminology » Networking Basics » MiFi vs WiFi: Understanding the Key Differences

MiFi vs WiFi: Understanding the Key Differences

wireless technology mobile hotspot wifi cellular network data network

Both MiFi and Wi-Fi provide wireless connectivity. They use radio waves to establish connections between devices, allowing data transfer without the need for physical cables. Both MiFi and Wi-Fi can be used to access the internet.

There are some similarities between MiFi and WiFi, but there are also key differences in terms of usage, portability, range, complexity, etc.

MiFi devices connect to cellular data networks, while Wi-Fi typically connects to wired broadband (DSL, cable, fiber) or cellular networks through a router.

MiFi is primarily designed as a mobile hotspot for internet access in areas with poor wired connectivity or for on-the-go use. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is a broader technology used to create local wireless networks for various devices in homes, offices, and public spaces.

What is MiFi?

MiFi, short for “My Wi-Fi,” is a brand name for Novatel Wireless portable devices that provide a mobile WiFi connection. It is essentially a portable wireless router or mobile hotspot device that provides internet access to multiple devices by connecting to cellular data networks.

MiFi devices are small, battery-powered gadgets that create a local Wi-Fi network. This network allows smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices to connect to the internet via the cellular data connection provided by the MiFi device.

There are different versions of MiFi to support different cellular standards, such as EVDO, HSPA, 4G LTE, or 5G. To connect a MiFi device to the cellular network, a connection with a service provider is needed.

With MiFi, you can connect about 5 to 10 Wi-Fi devices or more simultaneously, depending on the design. The connection speed depends on the capacity of the cellular network standards implemented in the MiFi router.

MiFi devices use cellular networks to establish an internet connection, which is then broadcast as a Wi-Fi network for devices to connect with. MiFi devices are designed to be highly portable. They also offer security features such as password protection and encryption.

mifi hotspot device from novatel wireless

Popular service providers offering MiFi packages include Orange, Vodafone, and T-Mobile.

Figure-1 depicts the MiFi device model 4510L from Novatel Wireless, developed for Verizon Wireless. The features are mentioned in the table below.

What is WiFi?

WiFi devices provide wireless internet connection using fixed wifi hotspots, also known as WiFi routers.

WiFi internet architecture

Following are the features of WiFi:

  • A WiFi AP (Access Point) is required to be installed, which is connected with a broadband internet connection using wires. The connection between mobile/fixed devices and the WLAN AP is done using radio frequency wirelessly.
  • There are different WLAN standards for WiFi, viz. IEEE 802.11a/11b/11g/11n/11ac (wifi-5) /11ax (wifi-6) / 11be (wifi-7) etc. Each defines different PHY/MAC specifications to achieve different data rates and coverages.
  • The different versions operate at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz, or a combination of these.
  • WiFi devices operate in two modes: adhoc (i.e., BSS - Basic Service Set) and infrastructure (i.e., ESS - Extended Service Set).

Difference between MiFi and WiFi

Let us compare MiFi vs WiFi and differentiate the technologies with respect to various features in tabular form.

ParametersMiFiWiFi
PurposeMobile hotspot device that provides internet access through cellular networksWireless networking technology used to connect devices to a LAN or the internet via a wifi router or AP (Access Point)
Device typeDedicated portable hotspot deviceNetworking technology and protocol used by various devices such as routers, smartphones, laptops etc.
Internet sourceConnects to cellular data networks (e.g., 4G/5G etc.)Can be connected to various sources, including wired broadband (DSL, cable), fiber optics, or cellular networks (through a router)
PortabilityHighly portable, designed for on-the-go useGenerally stationary, but can be set up in homes, offices, or public spaces for use by multiple devices
Power sourceTypically powered by a rechargeable batteryRequires a constant power source (electricity)
Coverage rangeLimited range, typically around 30 feet (10 meters)Range can vary as per wifi version, typically extends up to 300 feet (91 meters) for standard wifi routers.
Number of connectionsSupports a limited number of connected devices (typically 5-10)Can support a larger number of devices, depending on the router’s specifications
Network securityOffers password protection and encryption optionsProvides various security protocols (e.g., WPA2, WPA3) for secure connections
Setup complexitySimple set up, often involves just powering ON the device and connecting devices via Wi-Fi signalMay require more complex configurations and setup, especially for routers
Data usage monitoringTypically includes data usage monitoring featuresMay or may not include data usage monitoring, depending on router’s features
CostRequires separate data plan and device purchase costsOn time router purchase cost and potential monthly ISP fees
Use casesIdeal for travelers, remote work, and providing internet access in areas with poor or no wired connectivityUsed for creating local networks in homes, offices, and public spaces

MiFi Router Manufacturers

The following table mentions a few of the popular manufacturers of MiFi hotspots (i.e., MiFi routers).

MiFi Router manufacturer with model numberFeatures
Novatel Wireless for verizon, MiFi™ 2200 Intelligent Mobile HotspotSupports mobile broadband with CDMA, EVDO Rev.0, and EVDO Rev.A Supports 600 kbps to 1.4 Mbps download speed and 500-800 Kbps upload speed Supports 802.11b (2.4GHz,11Mbps) and 802.11g (2.4 GHz,54Mbps) Supports security types-WEP 64bit and 128bit, WPA Personal/PSK (TKIP) and WPA2 Personal/PSK (AES)
Novatel Wireless for verizon, MiFi®4510L Verizon Jetpack mobile hotspotSupports LTE with 700MHz bandwidth, 3G EVDO Rev.A, GSM with HSPA+, WCDMA, EDGE, GPRS and Wifi 802.11b,11g,11n Supports all the security types as mentioned above
Novatel Wireless , MiFi®500 LTESupports LTE bandwidth(800,1900,2500MHz), 3G EVDO Rev.A, WiFi 802.11b/g/n Supports GPS over Wi-Fi
MAXIS , MiFi MODEM, MF60Supports 2G, 3G and WiFi(WLAN connectivity)

Conclusion

In summary, MiFi and Wi-Fi each have their unique benefits and drawbacks. MiFi is best for portable, on-the-go internet access and remote locations, while Wi-Fi is suitable for stable, home, office, or public Wi-Fi network setups. The choice between them depends on your specific use case and requirements.

How to setup MiFi 2200 Router

This page describes how to setup mifi router 2200. This device acts as portable wifi hotspot to provide mifi internet services.