Difference Between iPhone Cellular and Wi-Fi Internet
by Alexander Poirier, Demand MediaiPhone users have the option between connecting to the Internet via a Wi-Fi Internet connection or via a cellular 3G Internet connection. While both types of connections take the user to the same Internet, they are two very different connection types that have a number of pros and cons associated with them.
Definition of Wi-Fi
According to the online tech dictionary Tech Terms, Wi-Fi (short for "Wireless Fidelity") is a "wireless networking technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal." A Wi-Fi connection is produced by a broadband modem (that receives its connection from an Internet Service Provider) that is connected to a wireless router. This wireless router, in turn, produces a wireless signal that can be accessed by any Wi-Fi-capable device, including the iPhone as long as the user knows the necessary encryption key.
Definition of 3G (Cellular Internet)
According to the tech resource Search Telecom, 3G refers to the third generation of cellular technology that allows cell phone providers to deliver "circuit-switched data" over their cellular network (i.e. an Internet connection). This wireless Internet connection comes directly from the cell phone provider's cell towers rather than an Internet Service Provider and can only be accessed by a device that is registered with the cell phone provider's 3G network.
Mobility
A 3G connection is mobile Internet in every sense; an iPhone is connected to the cell phone provider's 3G network whenever it has cellular reception (i.e. is in range of the cell provider's cell towers). A Wi-Fi connection, on the other hand, requires that the user be within range of the wireless router; the WiFi connection is terminated as soon as the iPhone user steps out of range of the Wi-Fi signal.
Speed/Usage
According to tech news site Ars Technica, the average speed for a traditional Wi-Fi broadband connection is 3.9 Mbps. Compared with the average 3G broadband connection speed of between 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps, it is apparent that Wi-Fi connections produce faster download speeds. Most 3G providers place a cap on data activity and require that the data user pay for every Mb of data downloaded over the cap while traditional broadband providers offer a fixed rate for unlimited downloads.
