WiFi vs. Private Cellular Networks: Why Businesses Need Both

Today, connectivity isn’t a luxury — it’s practically a necessity. Industries ranging from manufacturing to hospitality are leveraging connected technology to supercharge their efficiency and productivity. In turn, enabling modern IT infrastructure, with a blend of technology mediums powering specific use cases, is critical for virtually any business to stay competitive.

Both private cellular networks and WiFi can provide the connectivity needed to power diverse technologies. Which network do your clients need for their use cases? Cox Private Networks is here to help you find out. Read on to learn what powers each kind of network, the key differences between them and which technology works best for different spaces.

What is a Private Cellular Network?

Often referred to as mobile networks, cellular networks are communication systems that enable wireless communication among mobile devices. Private cellular networks are specifically configured by private companies to offer dedicated, customized cellular access to singular environments. In turn, these networks provide dedicated infrastructure and LTE/5G cellular connectivity designed for specific use cases, supplying businesses with cellular benefits and direct control over network characteristics and setups.

What is a WiFi Network?

WiFi networks refer to any internet connection shared among devices using a wireless router. These routers provide internet by connecting directly to internet modems, acting as a hub to broadcast signals to WiFi-enabled devices — such as televisions, smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, and laptops — using radio waves.

Enabling WiFi access in a home or apartment is often paid for via a subscription. This subscription pays for general access to the network itself across devices, accessible via choosing the network or by inputting a passcode.

Differences Between Private Cellular Networks and WiFi

Beyond the ways they connect devices, private cellular networks and WiFi connections have differences in their capabilities. Each option presents significant benefits, depending on the use case: Organizations will benefit from using private cellular networks and WiFi in tandem, and modern IT infrastructure typically leverages both.

When choosing when to use one option or the other within a facility, network technicians need to consider several factors — including output power, environment, speed, security, frequency and more. Additionally, an end-to-end provider that works with a wide range of wireless technology — such as Cox Private Networks — can help guide on-site IT teams (or network technicians) when it comes to pairing the right technology to the right use case for an optimized, efficient network.

A Side-by-Side Look at Cellular Networks vs. WiFi

Differences in Mobile and Stationary Use Cases

WiFi networks can provide reliable, strong signals to stationary technology such as printers and laptops. However, on-the-move technology — such as iPads, inventory scanners and push-to-talk radios — are often better served through connections to private cellular networks. This is the case especially in larger facilities. Because WiFi access points offer a centralized signal in one specific area, stationary devices can receive consistent connectivity when connected via a WiFi network. When moving through a larger facility, however, devices may experience signal interruption as they move farther from access points.

This is due to what is known as the “sticky client problem.” As these devices travel through a space, they may become “stuck” on one WiFi access point — even as they travel across a space and approach a closer access point. This leads to drops in coverage as the device disconnects from the first access point and connects to the second, disrupting connectivity and workflow.

While connected to a private cellular network, users won’t run into this issue; cellular was built to handle devices moving quickly and provides seamless handoffs as devices move through a facility. In turn, private cellular networks provide a more consistent connection for these high-mobility use cases.

Differences in Output Power

Private cellular networks typically exceed WiFi networks in terms of output power. Typically, private cellular provides coverage with at least four times more output power than a typical indoor WiFi access point. In turn, private cellular networks are ideal for larger, sprawling spaces — both indoors and outdoors — that need a consistent connection throughout.

Differences in Range

Compared to cellular networks, WiFi has a far more limited range. Connection to a WiFi network will change based on proximity to a router. In confined spaces such as homes, apartments and restaurants, network uses will rarely be far enough from a router to impact connection to a network.

However, in buildings with high ceilings, on sprawling campuses and in outdoor/hybrid spaces, WiFi signals can be prone to interference and less stable. For these larger spaces, private cellular access is a more reliable option. Warehouses, campuses and mixed-use environments would require multiple WiFi routers to achieve the same range as a cellular network.

The range of WiFi is also diminished within highly reflective environments. Environments can become reflective when they contain more metallic materials (such as stocked shelves, vehicles, equipment and containers). This is exceedingly common in spaces such as distribution facilities. In these facilities, private cellular’s range actually gains signal strength from reflections, making it a better choice for reliable, broad coverage.

Differences in Capacity

Where speed does become a factor for connectivity between cellular and WiFi networks is within capacity. WiFi can handle, without encountering issues, most smaller groups of people. However, once devices begin to reach the hundreds, a single WiFi router will likely experience significant network slowdown.

Private cellular networks are designed to handle more devices over a larger expanse of space. In turn, for use cases requiring a higher number of devices, cellular is likely the better solution.

Differences in Security

Both WiFi networks and cellular networks can be incredibly secure for users — although they offer different security capabilities out of the box. There’s a misconception that WiFi networks are inherently less secure than cellular networks. This misconception, however, springs from public WiFi networks, such as those offered in apartment building lobbies and coffee shops. Because WiFi doesn’t have the same standards for implementation as cellular networks, some operators for these public networks may gloss over essential steps toward security.

While working with a trusted provider of enterprise-grade networks, however, one can avoid these pitfalls. Enterprise-grade WiFi networks — such as Cox Business WiFi — leverage highly qualified teams to lock down networks, enable best practices and update encryption algorithms. When purchasing enterprise-grade WiFi, your clients can trust their networks are leveraging essential security measures to protect users.

Cellular networks typically enable security best practices as part of their inherent structure. For example, while WiFi networks require an operator to enable SIM-based authentication, cellular networks offer such authentication by default. In turn, cellular networks support and enable easier implementation of the security practices leveraged by enterprise networks.

Owners of private networks can also add authorized users to their network. These users are specifically authorized to leverage network connectivity, excluding unauthorized users from network access. This capability can better control who’s coming onto the network, further improving network security.

Cost of Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi

The cost of connecting a facility via a private cellular network versus a WiFi connection also depends on the nature of a use case. To achieve the highest level of cost efficiency, facilities need to balance use of WiFi and private cellular connections to maximize connectivity.

Take a sample case study that’s based on circumstances in a manufacturing environment. Originally, this manufacturing environment had only WiFi to cover its warehouse area; because of this, they experienced significant connectivity issues. When this facility installed private cellular within its warehouse area, these connectivity issues were eliminated. Meanwhile, this facility still has WiFi for other stationary use cases (in its office area for computers and printers).

Ideal Use Cases for Private Cellular Networks vs. WiFi Within Your Facility

As we’ve already mentioned, both WiFi and Private Cellular Networks are necessary to achieve maximum connectivity and cost efficiency within your clients’ facilities. Using the differences we’ve discussed above, let’s take a look at what parts of your clients’ facilities will work best with either WiFi or private cellular networks.

Ideal Use Cases for WiFi

WiFi is designed to provide connectivity to technology in smaller, isolated environments and rooms. For stationary pieces of your clients’ connected infrastructure, alongside areas with smaller, consolidated capacities of both users and square footage, WiFi is usually an ideal, cost-effective option. WiFi is best implemented within specific rooms or areas of operation in mind rather than facility-wide.

Ideal Uses Cases for Private Cellular Networks

Private cellular networks are built to provide reliable connectivity across sprawling, reflective environments. Able to overcome reflective environments and provide consistent connections for technology on the move, private cellular networks offer a premium network connection for areas where WiFi signals can’t extend as far as is necessary.

Build Connectivity to Support Your Unique Use Case by Working with Cox Private Networks

Whatever use case your clients may have, hiring a team of experts is key to maximizing connectivity. Cox Private Networks is here to help. Our experienced team will consult with you and your clients, discovering your clients’ specific desired use cases and connectivity pain points. From there, we’ll holistically consider what technology best suits their needs. Contact us today and start the process of optimizing your clients’ connectivity.

As Vice President of Channel Sales at Cox Business, John Muscarella is responsible for the overall readiness strategy for the indirect business sales channels. His team has the primary responsibility to develop, implement ­and sell solutions utilizing the Cox Communications network throughout the country. John has more than 25 years of experience in business management, which includes sales and leadership positions with companies such as Polycom, Sprint and EDS.

This guest blog is part of a Channel Futures sponsorship.