RFCBRS vs WiFi: Key Differences Explained
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CBRS and Wi-Fi are both wireless communication technologies. Both technologies rely on network infrastructure components such as access points (APs) to provide wireless coverage. They support data and voice communication services. But, CBRS and Wi-Fi serve different purposes and operate in different frequency ranges with distinct characteristics.
What is CBRS?
The full form of CBRS is Citizens Broadband Radio Service. The CBRS band spans from 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz. In the CBRS spectrum, both 4G LTE and 5G technologies can be deployed to provide wireless communication services. Within this frequency range, specific frequency blocks are allocated for different tiers of users.
Other use cases include education, healthcare, IoT, Fixed Wireless Access, Utility and energy, and so on. The CBRS is primarily used in the United States and was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). CBRS typically requires regulatory compliance and coordination through the Spectrum Access System (SAS).
The CBRS spectrum has been divided into the following three tiers:
- Incumbent Access (Tier 1): Reserved for existing federal and non-federal users such as military radar and satellite ground systems.
- Priority Access (Tier 2): Intended for priority access license (PAL) holders to have high priority access to CBRS spectrum. PAL holders have greater protection against interference compared to General Authorized Access users.
- General Authorized Access (Tier 3): It offers unlicensed use of CBRS spectrum similar to Wi-Fi.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi stands for “Wireless Fidelity”. It is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet and communicate with each other wirelessly without the need for physical wires. The WiFi specifications are defined in IEEE 802.11 (WLAN) series of standards to support different data rates and coverage ranges. It works on three bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz in different versions.
The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) standards include 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac (WiFi-5), 11ax (WiFi-6), and 11be (WiFi-7). WiFi networks are secured using various encryption and authentication methods such as WPA2 and WPA3. WiFi requires an Access Point (AP) or router to set up its network. Wi-Fi operates on a “listen-before-talk” protocol without centralized control.
Difference between CBRS and WiFi
Both Wi-Fi and CBRS differ with respect to network architecture, range, spectrum, security, QoS, and so on. The following table mentions the difference between CBRS and WiFi based on these parameters.
| Features | WiFi | CBRS |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Wireless Fidelity | Citizens Broadband Radio Service |
| Network | Simple network setup for home and small offices | Complex setup for industrial and commercial use |
| Spectrum | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz or 6 GHz (latest standard Wi-Fi 6E as per 802.11ax) | 3.5 GHz |
| Bandwidth | 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz channel widths are supported. | 150 MHz |
| Coverage per Access Point (AP) | Power and range are limited | Offers four times greater than WiFi AP due to high power specifications and handoff capabilities. |
| Mobility | There is no mechanism to handle switching between APs | Designed to support handoff between small cells or macro cells or CBRS APs. |
| Security | Prone to eavesdropping than private networks if guidelines are not followed. Uses WPA2 and WPA3 techniques for security. | More secured due to dedicated SIM card which is authenticated using secure PC login. |
| QoS | There is no way to differentiate different classes of traffic. | Built-in QoS which makes CBRS capable to prioritize traffic as per requirements or situations. |
| Cost | Lower | Higher, but it is cheaper solution compared to small cell based architecture |
| Licensing | No specific licenses are required | Requires licenses for various tiers |
| Interference | Potential for more interference | It is controlled due to licensing framework |
| Use cases | Internet access, local networking | Data-intensive applications, private LTE, 5G |
Conclusion
In summary, CBRS and Wi-Fi are designed for different use cases and scenarios. CBRS is more suitable for applications that require controlled and higher-capacity wireless connectivity, while Wi-Fi is ideal for general wireless networking within a localized area.
