Difference between 3G and Wi-Fi

3G and Wi-Fi are both wireless access technologies operating in different frequencies and access ranges. You can access the internet with 3G and Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi only can go up to 250 meters and 3G coverage could go beyond Kilometers. Wi-Fi is a personal wireless LAN used in short-range with low setup fees whereas 3G is normally deployed by Mobile operators in voice and wireless broadband networks. Wi-Fi operated in high frequency thus data rate is high so Wi-Fi is much faster than 3G. Now in this article, you can check it out the difference between 3G and Wi-Fi both Internet access providers. 

 The main difference between them is speed.

Difference between 3G and WiFi 

  1. Controlled by: Wi-Fi access is controlled by a Wi-Fi router located at a distance from an access point and 3G is completely controlled and provided by a service provider. 
  2. Signals: Signals of Wi-Fi can be received if the user is present within a range of the router whereas singles of 3G can be received within the network coverage area. 
  3. Network: 3G basically evolved from a voice network where QoS is a critical success factor while Wi-Fi evolved from a data network where QoS is not a critical success factor. 
  4. Licensed: 3G uses licensed spectrum for the device while Wi-Fi uses unlicensed, free, share spectrum.
  5. Infrastructure: 3G service providers own and manage the infrastructure and customers have a monthly service provider while the Wi-Fi user organization owns the infrastructure and also the usage of a network does not involve an access fee.
  6. Coverage: 3G has a much larger coverage than Wi-Fi networks.
  7. Cost: The use of Wi-Fi technology is considered to be less expensive as compared to third-generation (3G) technology.
  8. Reliability: The 3G network is more reliable than the Wi-Fi network.
  9. 3G is basically used Voice over IP ( VoIP ) to download software and content, news, download music, personal communication network, etc while Wi-Fi uses offices/campuses, homes, railway stations, airports, factory shop floors, etc.
  10. Speed: 3G can go up to a maximum speed of 14 Mbits/s and Wi-Fi can go up to 54 Mbits/s. So as compare to 3G networks, Wi-Fi networks are too much faster.
  11. Stability: 3G frequency is comparatively less stable than WIFI, WIFI frequencies are more stable than 3Gb frequency. 
  12. Installation: Wi-Fi can be easily installed by anyone by setting up a wireless LAN on a computer that has a wireless adapter installed and 3G can only be installed by network provider companies.
  13. Frequency: The frequencies of 3G network are less secured, but the WIFI frequencies are faster and more secure. 
  14. Pay: There is need to pay to connect to the 3G network, Whereas there is no need to pay to connect to a WIFI network. 
  15. Radio Frequency: 3G transmits data at low  frequencies ranging from 850 MHZ to 1900 MHz WIFI transmit data at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHZ frequencies. 
  16. Used: 4G has replaced th 3G network, but Wi-Fi is more used nowadays. 
  17. Cover: 3G covers a long range usually kilometers, whereas WIFI covers a short range. 
  18. Support: 3G supports both data and voice, WIFI just support data. 
  19. Dependability: 3G is more dependable than WIFI, While WIFI is less dependable than 3G. 
However, looking at their similarities and difference, in a nutshell, we can say that both 3G and Wi-Fi have been contributing to the growing telecommunication sector and proved to be very important for Internet and mobile telephone services. 

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  4. Difference between Zigbee and WiFi
  5. Difference between Wi-Fi and WiMax
  6. Difference between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  7. Difference between Wi-Fi and Internet
  8. Difference between Li-Fi and Wi-Fi
  9. Difference between GiFi and WiFi
  10. Difference between WiFi and MiFi
  11. Difference between ethernet and WiFi

Full form of MMDS

What is the full form of MMDS?


 Answer :

  • Multi-Channel Multi-point Distributed Service


What does MMDS mean?


MMDS was formerly known as Broadband Radio Service ( BRS ) also known as a wireless cable is a wireless telecommunications technology, used for general-purpose broadband networking or, more commonly, as an alternative method of television programming reception. 

 MMDS may be outdated by the newer 802.16 WiMax standard approved since 2004. 

 MMDS provided a significantly greater range than LMDS. 

The FCC has assigned five hands of frequency in the US in the range from 2.15 GHz to 2.68 GHz for fixed wireless access that uses multichannel multipoint service.

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Difference between Bluetooth and WiMAX

Bluetooth devices and WiMAX devices both are wireless technologies that communicate with each other and also have to interconnect with each other.

Basically, the main difference between them is that Bluetooth is primarily used to connect devices without using cables, whereas WiMAX is Worldwide Inter-portability for Microwave Access.

Bluetooth :

  • Technology - Radio
  • Multiplexing - FHSS, OFDM, DSSS
  • Range - 10 m
  • Frame Size - 350 bytes
  • Speed - 1 to 4 Mbps
  • Frequency Range - 2.4 GHz
  • Media Access - Distributed/central CSMA/CA, MACAW
  • Application using Bluetooth - Microwave ovens, DVD players, cameras, banking, office, etc

WiMAX :

  • Technology - Microwave
  • Multiplexing - FDD, TDD
  • Range - 10 Km in air
  • Frame Size - 5 to 20 ms
  • Speed - Up to 75 Mbps
  • Frequency Range - 2-66 GHz
  • Media Access - OFDMA
  • Application using WiMAX - Healthcare, travellers, small business, wireless ISP, home/residential areas etc

Difference between TCP and UDP

TCP's full meaning Transmission Control Protocol is connection-oriented, whereas UDP full meaning User Datagram Protocol is connection-less. 

Connection-orientation is that the communicating devices should establish a connection before transmitting data and should close the connection after transmitting the data. Datagram protocol means there is no overhead for opening a connection, maintaining a connection, and terminating a connection. 

Difference between TCP and UDP 

  • There is an acknowledgment for each byte so we called TCP a byte-stream protocol on the other side with no acknowledgment in UDP. 
  • Because of Acknowledgments, TCP is considered a reliable data transfer protocol while UDP is unreliable.
  • TCP is heavyweight whereas UDP is lightweight. 
  • The header size of TCP is 20 bytes and the UDP header size is 8 bytes. 
  • Retransmission of lost packets is possible in TCP, but not possible in UDP. 
  • Segment sequencing of data is a feature of TCP and no such feature for UDP. 
  • Because of an upper feature, TCP gives a guarantee that the order of data at receiving end is the same as on sending end whereas UDP has no such guarantee.
  • TCP is used by HTTP, HTTPs, FTP, SMTP and Telnet, and UDP is used by DNS, DHCP, TFTP, SNMP, RIP, and VOIP. 
  • TCP requires much more computer resources while UDP requires less computer resources.
  • UDP is much faster than TCP.
  • UDP is faster in data transferring than TCP.
  • TCP supports full-duplex while UDP not.
  • TCP is safer than UDP.
  • Flow control, congestion control happen in TCP while UPD both are not happening.  
  • TCP arranges data packet in an order specified while UDP protocol no inherent ordering, the data packets of the same message may be ordered differently.
  • TCP makes a check for error and reporting while UDP makes error checking but no reporting.
  • TCP follows 3 way of handshakes for connection establishment whereas no handshake is required in UDP since it is connectionless protocol. 
  • Example of TCP: Making a phone call Example of UDP: Playing online games. 
Handshake of TCP : 
  1. SYN
  2. SYN-ACK
  3. ACK
Field of TCP : 
  1. Sequence number 
  2. AcK number 
  3. Data offset 
  4. Reserved 
  5. Control bit 
  6. Window
  7. Urgent Pointer 
  8. Options
  9. Padding
  10. Checksum 
  11. Source port 
  12. Destination Port 
Field of UDP : 

What is full duplex communication

A full-duplex system is a communication system that allows simultaneous two-way communication between a subscriber and a base station means data can be transmitted in both directions on a single carrier at the same time. 

For example Telephone, people at both ends of a call can speak and be heard by each other at the same time because there is two communication path between them. 

 Using full-duplex communication can greatly increase the efficiency of communication. 

 Full duplex communication is also known as Double duplex or Dual communication. 

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  1. What is a half-duplex communication 

What is half duplex communication

Half-duplex communication means that data communication in both directions on a single carrier, but not at the same time. 

 In other words, half-duplex communication allows two-way communication with the help of the same radio channel for both transmission and reception.

The user can either transmit information or receive information at the given time. 

Some of the features of such a system are "push-to-talk" and "release-to-listen".

An advantage that Half-Duplex would have is the single track or single lane is cheaper than the double track or double lane.

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  1. What is a simplex communication
  2. What is a full-duplex communication

What is simplex communication

A communication network can provide many types of services such as simplex communication, Duplex communication, broadcast communication. The most basic type of communication is known as simplex communication. 

 Simplex communication is one-directional communication that sends information in one direction only. 

For example :


In Radio communication Radio station usually sends signals to the audience but never receives signals from them. 

Paging system where messages are received, but not acknowledged.

 Your keyboard to your CPU. The keyboard always sends characters to the CPU but the CPU never needs to send characters to the keyboard. 

In many cases, printers usually never send characters to computers but Computers almost always send characters to printers (there are exceptions, some printers do talk back). 

From the above example, we summarise that Simplex communication requires only one lane (in the case of serial).

Full form of MTSO

What is the full form of MTSO?


Answer :

  • Mobile Telephone Switching Office


What does MTSO mean?



The MTSO is responsible for connecting all individual cell phone users in an area to a "central office", controlling the call processing operation, and handling the billing activities of the subscriber.

 It connects the mobile subscriber to the other mobile subscriber to the nationwide telephone network.
The MTSO is the heart of the cellular system. The cellular switch can be analog or digital in nature. Its processor provides central coordination and cellular administration.

Full form of PAN

What is the full form of PAN?


Answer :

  • Personal Area Network

What does PAN mean?


PAN is the interconnection of information technology devices within the range of an individual person in which the connections are wireless. 

It would include one or more computers, telephones, peripheral devices, video game consoles, and other personal entertainment devices. Typically within a range of 10 meters.

 A PAN is a computer network organized around an individual person within a single building.

Full form of LMDS

What is the full form of LMDS?


Answer :

  • Local Multipoint Distribution Service 

What does LMDS mean?


LMDS is a broadband wireless access technology originally designed for digital television transmission used for delivering data, voice, internet including video service in 25 GHz frequency and frequency greater than that.

Network configuration similar to the cellular networks.

The service offered by the LMDS method is dependent on the operator choice.

An application for LMDS is in a local exchange carrier network.

 In the US a frequency of 1.3 MHz bandwidth is allocated for LMDS delivering broadband service. In LMDS signals are transmitted by point to multipoint or broadcast method.

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5G Technology | Benefits | Challenges | Specification

5G Technology refers to the fifth generation technology which was started in late 2010. 5G is the latest cellular mobile communications. It succeeds the 4G, 3G, and 2G systems. So the 5G technology is not the next version of mobile communication, evolving from 1G to 2G, 3G, 4G and now 5G.

The new 5G technology has been driven by specific uses and applications. 5G performance that the target of high data rate, reduced latency, energy saving, higher system capacity, cost reduction etc.

 5G technology provides a far higher level of performance than the previous generations of mobile communications systems. Complete wireless communication with almost no limitations, and it is highly supportable to Wireless World Wide Web ( WWWW ) includes far better levels of connectivity and coverage. 

Benefits of 5G Technology : 

  • Connectivity speed - 25 Mbps
  • High Speed, High Capacity, High Bandwidth
  • 5G is More Effective and More Attractive
  • Highly supportable to WWWW (wireless World Wide Web)
  • Providing large broadcasting of data in Gbps
  • Multi-Media Newspapers, watch T.V programs with clarity (HD Quality)
  • Faster data transmission than that of the 3G and 4G technology
  • Large Phone Memory, Dialing Speed, clarity in Audio/Video
  • Support interactive multimedia and streaming video
  • High resolution and large bandwidth sharing 
  • It supports a virtual private network 
  • Responsible for handling user mobility. 

Challenges of 5G Technology : 

  • One of the big challenges facing 5G is standardization that is free from obstacles of the earlier generations requires an integration of various standards.
  • No common architecture for interconnecting various engineering practices. 
  • It is a huge task, with the issue around spectrum and installing new antennas. 
  • 5G rely on at least in part, on higher frequency bands.
  • Aims to distribute internet access to nodes across the world with almost seamless speed.
  • The 5G wireless internet networks are a real wireless world which shall be supported by MC-CDMA, UWB, CDMA, and OFDM.

5G specification Level :

  • Network capacity - 10000 times the current network 
  • Peak data rate -10 Gbps 
  • Cell edge data rate - 100 Mbps 
  • Latency - <1 Mbps

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4G Technology | Features | Drawback | Applications

4G technology refers to the fourth generation, of wireless technology that promises expanded multimedia services and higher data rates.

4G provides the same feature as 3G and additional services like Multi-Media Newspapers, to watch T.V programs with more clarity and send Data much faster than 3G.

 4G is considered as Long Term Evolution named as LTE. 

4G offers a downloading speed of 100Mbps. 4G provides high QoS and high security. Provide any kind of service at any time as per user requirements, anywhere.

Basic Features of 4G technology :

  • More security
  • Wireless broadband access 
  • Capable of providing 10Mbps-1Gbps speed
  • High speed
  • High capacity
  • High-quality streaming video
  • Low-cost per-bit etc.
  • Combination of Wi-Fi and Wi-Max

 Drawbacks of 4G Technology : 

  • Battery usage is more
  • Hard to implement
  • Need complicated hardware
  • Expensive equipment required to implement a next-generation network.
4G is being developed to accommodate the QoS and rate requirements set by forthcoming applications like wireless broadband access, Multimedia messaging service, video chat, mobile TV, HDTV content, Digital video broadcasting ( DVB ) and many other services that utilize bandwidth.  

3G Technology | Features | Drawback | Application

3G technology refers to the third generation, is based on GSM and it was launched in 2000.

 The aim of this technology was to offer high-speed data range of about 144 kbps to 2 Mbps.

 It uses Wide Band Wireless Network so clarity is increased also offers data services access to television. 3G technology used in many more applications like the sharing of digital photos, movies, mobile, computer modem, high-quality voice, and video calls, etc.

Basic Features of 3G Technology :  

  • Speed - 2 Mbps 
  • Typically called smartphones 
  • Increase bandwidth and data transfer rates 
  • Providing Faster Communication
  • Send and Receive Large Email Messages
  • High-Speed Web  
  • More Security
  • Video Conferencing 
  • 3D Gaming
  • TV Streaming / Mobile TV / Phone Calls
  • Large Capacities and Broadband Capabilities
  • 11 sec – 1.5 min. time to download a 3 min Mp3 song.

Drawbacks of 3G Technology :

  • Expensive fees for 3G Licenses Services 
  • It was the challenge to build the infrastructure for 3G
  • High Bandwidth Requirement
  • Expensive 3G Phones.
  • Large Cell Phones
The 3G mobile system was called as UMTS in Europe, while CDMA 2000 was called in American 3G variant. 

2.5G Technology

2.5G is a technology between the 2G and 3G generations of mobile technology.

2.5G is sometimes described as 2G Cellular Technology combined with GPRS.

The GSM technology was continuously improved to provide better services which led to the development of advanced Technology between 2G and 3G.


Basic Features of 2.5G technology :

  • Provide Phone Calls
  • Send/Receive e-mail Messages
  • Speed range - 64 to 144 kbps
  • Web Browsing
  • Camera Phones
  • Take a time of 6-9 minutes to download a 3 minute Mp3 song
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2G Technology | Features | Drawback

2G technology refers to the second generation. It was launched in Finland in the year 1991 which is based on GSM. 

It uses digital signals and this digital signal uses for voice transmission. This signal provides services to deliver text and picture messages at low speed (in kbps).

Basic Features of 2G technology :

  • Bandwidth - 30 to 200 kHz 
  • Enables services such as text messages, MMS, picture message
  • Data speed - up to 64kbps
  • Provide better quality and capacity 
Explore more information 

 2G technology features 

Drawbacks of  2G technology :

  • Unable to handle complex data such as Videos.
  • Required strong digital signals.
  • If digital signals would weak then no network coverage in that specific area. 

1G technology | History | Features | Advantages

History : 


The first commercially automated cellular network was launched in Japan by Nippon telegraph and telephone in the year 1979, and initially in the metropolitan area of Tokyo. Japan became the first nationwide 1G network. 

In the year 1981, The NMT system simultaneously launched in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. NMT was the first mobile phone network to main feature international roaming. In the year of 1983, the first 1G network launched in the USA was Chicago based Ameritech using the Motorola DynaTAC mobile phone. It was used for voice services and was based on a technology called Advanced Mobile Phone System ( AMPS ). 

Several countries then followed in the early to mid-year of - the 1980s including the UK Mexico and Canada. In the year 2018, only a limited NMT service in Russia remains the only 1G cellular network still in operation. It was continued until being replaced by 2G digital telecommunications, The antecedent to 1G technology is the mobile radiotelephone.

Basic  Key Features of 1G technology : 

  • Speed - 2.4 kbps 
  • Frequency - 800 MHz and 900 MHz
  • Modulations: Frequency modulation
  • Mode of service - Voice only
  • Allows the voice calls in 1 country
  • Technology: Use Analog Signal
  • Access techniques: Frequency division multiple access
Most popular 1G system during the 1980s:
  • Advance mobile phone system
  • Nordic mobile phone system
  • Total access communication system
  • European total access communication system


Advantages of a 1G network :

  • Improve voice clarity
  • The network uses the analog signal
  • Reduce noise in the line
  • Consume less battery power

Disadvantages of a  1G  network :

  • Poor voice quality 
  • Large phone size
  • Poor battery life
  • No security
  • Limited capacity
  • Poor hand-off reliability
  • Very slow speed

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Generation of mobile communication

There has been a broad advancement in mobile wireless communication since the last few decades. This innovation consists of a number of generations and it's not stopped yet is still going on. The journey of mobile wireless communication began with 1G technology followed by 2G, 3G, 4G, and under research upcoming generations 5G.

 This innovation regarding mobile communication technologies has been made by developing various multiple-access schemes used for wireless communication such as TDMA, FDMA, CDMA WCDMA, etc. 

Mobile communication has become more popular in the last few years due to fast reform from 1 generation to 5 generations in mobile technology. 

 This reform is due to a requirement of service compatible transmission technology and very high increase in telecom's customers. 

Generation refers to a change in the nature of service compatible transmission technology and also have generated a new frequency band. 

The mobile cellular era had started in 1980, and since then mobile communications have undergone considerable changes and experienced massive growth.


Some of Wireless communication technology :

SDMA full form

What is the full form of SDMA?


Answer :

  • Space Division Multiple Access

What does SDMA mean?


SDMA also stands for spatial division multiple access.

 SDMA is a channel access method in which satellite communications mode that optimizes the use of radio spectrum and minimizes system cost by taking advantage of the directional properties of dish antennas. 

 This method is based on MIMO multiple inputs multiple outputs architectures and used mostly in wireless and satellite communication. 

Full form of BS

What is the full form of BS?


Answer :

  • Base Station


What does BS mean?


BS is a fixed point of communication for customer cellular phones on a carrier network. 

BS allows mobile phones to work within a local area, as long as it is linked to a mobile or wireless service provider. 

 It is connected to an antenna that receives and transmits the signals in the cellular network to customer phones and cellular devices. 

BS relays information to and from a transmitting or receiving unit, such as a mobile phone often referred to as a cell site.
Explore more information:

  1. Full form of BSS

Application of Wireless Communication

Applications of wireless communication involve security system, television remote control, Wi-Fi, cell phones, Wireless power transfer, computer interface devices, and various wireless communication-based projects.   

Applications of Wireless Communication : 

  • Modern televisions use wireless remote control. Nowadays radio waves are also be used. 
  • For homes and offices, hard-wired implementation security systems are replaced by wireless communication technology. 
  • To make phone calls from any place on earth to any place with the use of CDMA, GSM, and 3G. 
  • Wireless power transfer 
  • Used in computer interface devices such as Bluetooth, Wireless Keyboard, Wireless Mouse.  
  • Arduino based Home Automation
  • Intelligent transport system  
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Used in IoT, Radar communication, Fiber optics. 
  • Space and military application. 
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