In the current environment of explosive growth in the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of connected devices is increasing rapidly, and wireless communication technology is playing an increasingly important role in the IoT. The development of wireless network technology is continuously changing the way information is transmitted. The ability to access information seamlessly and freely at any time and place is dramatically transforming devices and user environments. The two most popular wireless technologies in the industry are undoubtedly Bluetooth (BT) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), the latter also commonly referred to as Wi-Fi. These mature technologies provide complementary solutions for wireless access across various devices.
Wi-Fi is an important wireless network communication technology currently maintained by the Wi-Fi Alliance, while a similar wireless communication technology is Bluetooth, a communication standard managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. Both are wireless technologies used for connectivity—like a pair of “twins”—but there are many differences between them. So, what are the differences?
01
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a new type of wireless communication technology that enables short-distance data exchange between personal area networks and mobile devices. It breaks the limitations of using wired cables to connect various digital devices. It primarily operates in the globally shared ISM frequency band of 2.4Hz, which is why Bluetooth is a global standard for wireless communication.
02
What is WiFi?
Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is an industrial standard for wireless network communication defined by IEEE. Its main advantage is that it allows electronic devices to connect to local area networks with high transmission speeds. Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi belong to wireless communication network standards, capable of wireless short-distance communication, and both operate in the public ISM 2.4GHz frequency band.
03
WiFi vs Bluetooth
In terms of definition, Bluetooth is an emerging wireless communication technology and a standardized communication protocol based on low-cost transceiver chips, characterized by short-range transmission and low power consumption. It is widely used in IoT smart home systems and smart wearable devices. Wi-Fi is an industrial standard for wireless network communication defined by IEEE. It is a type of wireless networking technology and, within local area networks, refers to “Wireless Compatibility Certification,” which is actually a commercial certification and also a wireless networking technology.
Technically, Bluetooth has the advantages of low power consumption and low radiation. Its disadvantage of short transmission distance and small coverage has been greatly improved with the release of Bluetooth 5.0. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, has high speed and wide coverage but consumes more power.
Bluetooth communication belongs to WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), meaning point-to-point or multi-point-to-multi-point connections. It is mainly used to connect peripheral devices or transmit data over short distances. Bluetooth has a transmission bandwidth of 1 Mbps and a typical communication range of 10 meters, while the latest version, Bluetooth 5.0, can reach up to 150 meters.
Wi-Fi uses the IEEE 802.11b local area network protocol. Its transmission range is 120 meters, and the maximum transmission speed can reach 11 Mbps. Wi-Fi belongs to WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) and supports simultaneous transmission for multiple terminal devices.
From a product application perspective, Bluetooth is mainly used to connect external electronic devices or transmit data over short distances. Bluetooth supports wireless communication for both data and voice and acts as a connector. It is widely integrated into digital products such as smartphones, headsets, printers, keyboards, mice, and cameras. Since these products come with built-in Bluetooth modules, they offer high security, low power consumption, and are suitable for outdoor use.
Wi-Fi is mainly used to provide wireless internet access, so it frequently appears in smart devices that require networking. One of Wi-Fi’s biggest advantages is its fast transmission speed and the fact that it eliminates the need for wiring—it essentially converts wired network signals into wireless ones. Any device requiring wireless internet access can connect, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Wi-Fi is more suitable for indoor environments, especially in corporate and home settings, as it enables various electronic devices to connect to the network for a wide range of interactions.
In terms of product volume, according to incomplete statistics, in the consumer sector, devices using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as standard protocols account for the majority of the global market, with Bluetooth-based devices having a larger share.
04
Jointly promoting IoT development
Since Bluetooth 4.0, it has been divided into “Classic Bluetooth,” “Low Energy BLE Bluetooth,” and “High-Speed Bluetooth.” Among these, “Low Energy Bluetooth” has been widely adopted across multiple industries due to its low power consumption, especially in smart wearables, smart home devices, and smart healthcare, where it has shown significant technological advancements.
WiGig, a faster short-range wireless transmission technology developed from Wi-Fi, is rapidly emerging. Semiconductor giant Qualcomm has recognized the potential of WiGig and pioneered the integration of tri-band wireless connectivity platforms in mobile devices to meet application needs such as 4K video streaming, point-to-point (P2P) transmission, and wireless docking.
The continuous maturity of wireless technologies plays a crucial role in the development of the IoT, making “connectivity between everything and every object” easier and safer. With the ongoing advancement of society, the advantages of wireless communication have become increasingly evident, including: wide coverage with minimal geographical constraints, easy setup and expansion at any time, and fast communication—capable of establishing links within minutes for temporary, emergency, and disaster recovery communication purposes. Its applications have broadened from early digital product uses to multiple industries such as industrial control, healthcare, and automotive electronics.
In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, other wireless technologies include 2G/3G (4G, 5G), 802.15.4, LoRa, LTE Cat 0/1, NB-IoT, SIGFOX, Weightless, Wireless HART, ZigBee, and Z-Wave. All of these technologies will collectively drive the development of the Internet of Things.
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