Difference between WiFi and BlueTooth (2024)

Both WiFi and Bluetooth are wireless technologies that are widely used to send and receive data wirelessly using radio signals. WiFi is for high-speed Internet access that connects nearby devices with each other and share the Internet via hotspots, whereas Bluetooth is used for connecting devices in short range.

Go through this article to find out more about the features of WiFi and Bluetooth and how they are different from each other.

What is WiFi?

WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It defines any network based on the 802.11 standards, allows computers and devices with the required wireless capacity to communicate via radio waves with other computers or devices. IEEE established the 802.11 network standards, which describe how two wireless devices interact over the air.

WiFi is a small network where smartphones, computers or other networkable devices are connected to each other wirelessly within a small range and share Internet using hotspots. WiFi uses radio frequency waves for wireless high-speed Internet and network connections. The size of a WiFi antenna is very small and can be put on small routers. WiFi can be used to connect printers, computers, gaming consoles, mobile and so on.

WiFi specifies how to physically create a wireless network using approaches similar to the Ethernet standard. WiFi is built into most of today's computers and mobile devices, such as smartphones and handheld game consoles.

The WiFi standard is widely used in hotspots, which allow mobile users to connect to the internet using their WiFi-enabled wireless computers and devices. WiFi is also used in many homes and small companies to connect computers and devices wirelessly.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth was created under the IEEE 802.15.1 standard, which is used for wireless communication via radio transmissions. Bluetooth was first introduced in 1994 as a wireless replacement for RS-232 connections.

• Bluetooth connects a wide range of devices and establishes personal networks in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum. The device class determines the operating range. Many digital gadgets, such as MP3 players, mobile and peripheral devices, and personal computers, use Bluetooth.

• Unlike previous wireless technologies, Bluetooth provides high-level services such as file pushing, voice transmission, and serial line emulation to its network and devices.

• A scattered ad-hoc topology is the name given to the Bluetooth topology. It defines a Piconet, a small cell that consists of a group of devices connected in an ad-hoc manner.

• Bluetooth ensures data security and privacy when in use. It employs a 128-bit random number, a device's 48-bit MAC address, and two keys: authentication (128 bits) and encryption (256 bits) (8 to 128 bits). Non-secure, service level, and link-level are the three modes of operation.

Advantages of Using Bluetooth

• Wireless − One of the advantages of Bluetooth is that it transmits data without the use of any cables. You may send and receive files without having to worry about wires with this method. Wireless Bluetooth technology is also used in a variety of different applications. Personal security systems, finding devices, and health monitoring are examples of such uses.

• Availability − Bluetooth is now a standard function on most gadgets, including smartphones and tablets.

• Usability − Because of its ease of use, Bluetooth can be used by even the most inexperienced user. The Bluetooth pairing process is pretty simple. There is no need to install any software or drivers.

• Efficiency − Bluetooth is energy efficient which results in minimal power consumption. This is usually due to the Bluetooth low-power signals.

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Disadvantages of Using Bluetooth

• Speed − Data transfer is relatively sluggish in all wireless methods. In the case of Bluetooth, this is especially true. The transmission rate of Bluetooth 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 is 25 Mbps in general.

• Range − A Bluetooth connection has a maximum range of 100 meters. Bluetooth has a limited range of communication (typically lower than a WiFi connection).

• Safety and security − Even though Bluetooth has several security features, its security level is significantly lower because it utilizes radio frequencies. Bluetooth allows hackers to obtain your personal information quickly.

• Reliability − Even though the majority of Bluetooth implementations follow the standard, there are still worries about Bluetooth compatibility. This is due to a variety of factors, including profiles, drivers, and versions.

Comparison between WiFi and Bluetooth

The following table highlights the major differences between WiFi and Bluetooth.

Conclusion

WiFi establishes a wireless network that allows computers and devices with the required wireless capacity to communicate via radio waves. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is a wireless technology that is used to connect devices in short range.