Difference Between Bluetooth vs WiFi

There are a number of ways we can share data within the wireless tech ecosystem. Indeed, WiFi and Bluetooth are among the most common methods for seamless wireless communication. Now, you may be thinking about the best way to send information or share data, leading you to do research on the difference between Bluetooth and WiFi.  

One assurance that you will get from us is that you will understand the concepts fully so that you can make informed decisions going forward. In keeping with our tradition, we will start this guide with definitions of those techniques and then focus on the disparity between them.

Definition of Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a technique used for short-range wireless communication. This technology can be used to send and receive both data and voice. This is commonly used in transferring data and voice between smart devices, computers, tablets, etc. It is a wireless personal area network with the code IEEE 802.15 WPAN.

This method is built to deliver short-range communication at a reduced data rate. With an embedded framework, the application allows users to set it up, thus building a small network on the go. The technology ensures that there is no need for cable connection even as data transfer is relatively fast and reliable.

Sure, once the transfer is started, it rarely fails. If this technique fails, it always fails at the beginning of the process. Among scattered ad hoc technology, Bluetooth has become ubiquitous since it was introduced in May 1989.

According to experts, its operational frequency ranges from 2.402 GHz through 2.480 GHz (or simply 2.45 GHz). Today, it is not uncommon to see it integrated into many different gadgets including headphones, home assistant devices, speakers, etc. No doubt, this shows that it has widespread applications. Just before we dive into the difference between WiFi and Bluetooth, we will explain the former in detail.

Definition of WiFi

WiFi is a communication method that allows for data, sound, and signal transfers that leverage wireless technology. It is an acronym for Wireless Fidelity. Coming to its code, it has an IEEE 802.11 standard. This simply means that it can cover up to a local area network or the acronym WLAN, where W means wireless.

Transferring and receiving data and signals via this method may or may not involve an access point. With the standard, there is seamless connectivity that allows for permanent, portable, and mobile stations within the WLAN. In this architecture, the MAC and physical layer can effectively interact. Still, it is built to provide an asynchronous and time-bounded delivery mechanism.

Invented in 1991, W-Fi has two operational modes, an infrastructure mode and an ad hoc mode. While the former involves one access point, the latter involves the interaction of multiple stations without an access point. With respect to security, the standard ensures that this channel can stay authenticated and private, thanks to the WEP (wired equivalent privacy) spec. Additionally, the speed of this medium is relatively high, allowing for data and signal transfer within the shortest possible time.

Main Differences Between Bluetooth vs WiFi

The table gives a concise explanation of the Bluetooth vs WiFi concept.

Difference Between Bluetooth vs WiFi: Conclusion

In conclusion, it is safe to say that this guide has explained the fundamentals you should know about the two communication channels. To summarize this WiFI vs Bluetooth guide, one has to focus on the range they cover.

While the former covers up to 100 m, the latter can only go a little over 10 m. In other words, the medium that covers a greater distance will be the exclusive solution in certain applications. Finally, you should know that the downside is that such a long-distance channel consumes power in connected devices.