RFUWB vs WiFi: Key Differences Explained
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This article compares Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and WiFi technologies, highlighting their differences based on various parameters. Let’s dive in!
What is UWB?
UWB (Ultra Wide Band) technology utilizes a spectrum exceeding 500 MHz. Back in 2002, the FCC approved the use of unlicensed spectrum within the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz range for UWB applications.
It employs short-duration electromagnetic (EM) pulses for high-speed data transfer over a wide bandwidth. UWB adheres to the IEEE 802.15.4a/z standard. Its wide bandwidth allows for high data rate communication (around 27 Mbps). UWB is also favored for its lower latency, low power consumption, and high immunity to interference.
UWB Network: This diagram illustrates a UWB network consisting of UWB anchors installed at various locations. These anchors communicate with UWB tags, UWB smartphones, UWB lights, and a WiFi AP. The WiFi AP or router connects to the cloud via a gateway. UWB technology is used for collecting sensor data from motion, temperature, and light sensors, and is also used for precise location and tracking applications.
What is WiFi?
WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) follows the 802.11 series of WLAN IEEE standards, including 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax, among others. These standards have been developed to support various RF frequencies and data rates.
The primary goal of WiFi technology is to eliminate the need for wires in Local Area Network (LAN) connections between computing devices. WiFi offers easy setup, mobility for internet users, and very high data rate speeds (in the Gbps range).
IEEE 802.11 defines the PHY (Physical) layer and MAC (Medium Access Control) layer specifications. A WLAN network consists of Access Points (APs) or routers and Stations. It uses one of two architectures: infrastructure or ad-hoc. WLAN devices use the CSMA/CA protocol to avoid collisions when multiple stations attempt to transmit WiFi signals simultaneously.
UWB vs WiFi: Key Differences
The following table highlights the differences between UWB and WiFi based on several key parameters:
| Features | UWB | WiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | IEEE 802.15.4 series (802.15.4a, 802.15.4z) | IEEE 802.11 series (11b, 11a, 11g, 11n (WiFi 4), 11ac (WiFi 5), 11ax (WiFi 6)) |
| Frequency | Three bands: sub GHz (500 MHz), lower (3.5-4.5 GHz), higher (6.5-10 GHz) | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 7 GHz |
| Accuracy | < 30 cm | < 5 to 15 meters |
| Range/Coverage | < 100 meters | < 150 meters |
| Data Communication | Less, Up to 27 Mbps | More, Up to 1 Gbps |
| Secure Ranging | Very secure, Distance Time Bounded Protocol | Can be spoofed using relay attack |
| Scalability (Density) | > 10s of thousands of tags | 100s to a 1000s tags |
| Infrastructure Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Reliability | Strong immunity to multi-path and interference | Very sensitive to multi-path, obstructions, and interference |
| Modulation Schemes | BPM, BPSK | BPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, 1024-QAM and OFDM / OFDMA |
| Indoor Positioning | AoA (Angle of Arrival), ToF (Time of Flight) | RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) |
| Bandwidth | 500 MHz | Up to 40 MHz at 2.4 GHz, Up to 160 MHz at 5 GHz |
| RF Channels | 16 (across all three bands) | 14 (2.4 GHz), 24 (802.11n) to 27 (802.11a) (5 GHz), 26 (4.9 GHz) |
| Data Protection | 32 bit CRC | 8 bit CRC or 16 bit CRC based on wifi standard version |
| Latency (XYZ) | Lower, sub-milliseconds (typically) | Higher, greater than 3 seconds (typically) |
| Power Consumption | Low to medium | Medium |
| Battery Type | Coin cell | Lithium battery |
Summary
In essence, UWB is the better choice when low latency, excellent energy efficiency, and precise positioning are crucial. On the other hand, WiFi shines in applications demanding high data rate communication.
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