#WIFI VS BLUETOOTH RANGE BLUETOOTH#

However, the firmware communications stack requires detailed configuration that can require in-depth knowledge of the Bluetooth stack.Ĭonsider the certification and licensing process

Bluetooth, from a hardware perspective, is not as complex as typical Wi-Fi solutions.

With the increased focus on IoT devices, Wi-Fi solutions have evolved very quickly and solutions are now available that provide Wi-Fi connectivity with minimal effort and at lower costs. Wi-Fi has traditionally been complex and required fairly significant efforts in regards to both hardware and firmware developments. These include the user acknowledgment of connecting devices via the “pairing” procedure and various options for encrypted data exchange.

The Bluetooth standard also specifies security protocols that must be implemented in order for devices to establish a secure connection.

In addition, network-based encryption techniques, such as virtual private networks (VPN), can provide resilient data protections. Security protocols are inherent to the 802.11 standard (i.e., WEP, WPA, WPA2) and security certification programs that secure communications between devices. Wi-Fi can accommodate a wide range of security measures. This enables Bluetooth devices to enjoy much longer battery life-from 10 to 100 times longer battery life than in similar devices that use Wi-Fi.

Bluetooth was developed with low-power applications in mind.

It was originally built to connect office devices like desktop PCs, printers and networking devices, which are not battery-operated.

Wi-Fi technology is a power hog, which is a big issue for mobile applications. A typical Bluetooth transceiver integrated circuit (IC) costs roughly $1, compared to $5-$7 for a Wi-Fi IC.

luetooth solutions are generally much less costly than Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi solutions (i.e., transceivers and antennas) are generally more expensive than Bluetooth solutions, which can be an important factor if overall cost is top of mind. For example, Bluetooth is suitable for audio applications but cannot handle the massive bandwidth of streaming video. However, the technology is generally much slower and offers less bandwidth than Wi-Fi.

Bluetooth was designed to be a simple way to connect two devices with minimal power consumption.

The most recent version of the IEEE 802.11ax standard is expected to deliver connectivity at multi-gigabit speeds, making it ideal for rich media apps like video, and the best choice in multiple-user environments. However, its connectivity quickly fades over distances greater than 10 meters or 30 feet.Ī true networking protocol, Wi-Fi has been under continuous development since its inception. It’s great for connecting pairs of Bluetooth devices like smartphones, headsets and peripherals.

The Bluetooth standard is intended to exchange data over short distances, usually between personal mobile devices.

A typical Wi-Fi signal can be accessed up to 100 meters or 320 feet away from a wireless access point. The protocol you choose depends on your product’s needs in these key areas:īecause Wi-Fi technology was built to replace Ethernet technology in local area networks (LANs), it offers superior range compared to Bluetooth.

Bluetooth: A maker’s guideĮach of these popular technologies has its own pros and cons. Which wireless communication protocol is most suitable for your product? Let’s examine some of the strengths and weaknesses of the two technologies. Unlike Wi-Fi, Bluetooth was primarily designed for low power consumption, with a short range that’s ideal for small battery-operated mobile devices. The wireless connection is often limited to two devices, although this is changing with the release of the latest revision. Since the initial standard was introduced in 1997, Wi-Fi data rates have improved from 1-2 Mbps up to 10.5 Gbps for the emerging 802.11ax standard.īluetooth technology originated in the 1990s as well, but its primary function was device-to-device (or point-to-point) protocol for securely sharing data between devices in close proximity. Wi-Fi’s primary function was to replace the physical backbone of the internet-the wired infrastructure required for wired networking connections (Ethernet)-with an untethered, wireless connection. Wi-Fi is a trademarked name used to refer to devices that employ the 802.11 IEEE standards.

Wifi vs bluetooth range