WiFi vs. MiFi: 7 Things You Didn’t Know but Should

Among the different types of internet communications we have today, WiFi and MiFi are amongst the most popular buzzwords. You've probably heard these terms thousands of times and depend on them, but do you know what they are and their differences? Here’s what you need to know about WiFi vs. MiFi.

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1. WiFi is a Technology

When you hear WiFi, you probably think “wireless internet”. Well, WiFi isn't internet per se.

WiFi is a wireless networking protocol based on IEEE 802.11 standards. It's the technology that allows cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other WiFi devices to wirelessly connect to the internet.

Without WiFi, we’d still have access to the internet, but via ethernet cables.

2. MiFi is A WiFi Device

MiFi. WiFi. Except for one letter, they look and sound similar, which confuses many.

Unlike WiFi, MiFi is not a technology. MiFi is a device with built-in WiFi tech. It’s a portable internet hotspot that uses the cellular network to create an ad hoc WLAN.

WiFi-enabled devices can enjoy wireless intent connectivity while on the go and in areas with lacking broadband infrastructure.

Without WiFi technology, mobile internet wouldn't be possible.

3. WiFi Does Not Stand for Wireless Fidelity

Despite what many sources say, WiFi is not an acronym. It does not stand for Wireless Fidelity, Wireless Fiber, or anything at all really.

Before the standard for wireless networking could be adopted, it needed a name that was memorable and intuitive to understand. IEEE 802.11 would not do. The branding firm Interbrand picked WiFi because many customers said the similarity to HiFi (High Fidelity) helped them understand the concept.

WiFi simply stands for WiFi.

4. MiFi is Used as an Umbrella Term for Portable Hotspot Devices

The term MiFi was coined in 2009 by Novatel Wireless, now known as Inseego. It’s what they named their portable WiFi devices.

Nowadays, the name is often used interchangeably with all types of potable hotspot devices, such as cellular routers and mobile hotspots.

5. MiFi Tends to be Slower than a Traditional WiFi Connection

Because MiFi devices rely on cellular networks, they can be slower than a traditional WiFi network serviced by an ISP. Things like geography, tower congestion, weather, and building material affect the signal MiFi devices receive. As you move from place to place, results will vary.

With 5G, however, MiFi speeds can rival broadband intent. Though, ultra-fast 5G isn't available everywhere.

On average, MiFi speeds are close to the speeds you can get on your phone:

Carrier	Avg 4G LTE Download Speeds	Avg 5G Download Speeds
T-Mobile	79.5 Mbps	186.3 Mbps
Verizon	31.3 Mbps	84.9 Mbps
AT&T	38.2 Mbps	71.1 Mbps

Opensignal’s 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report & 5G 2023 Mobile Network Experience Report

Most MiFi devices average 4G LTE speeds or slower. While they are great for working and streaming in a pinch, they may not be the best for gaming or anything that needs lots of fast data transfer. Data intense applications often need broadband internet as it offers more bandwidth and faster speeds. In situations where your traditional WiFi connection shuts down or overloads, MiFi can serve as a backup for continuous uptime.

6. MiFi is a Good Home Internet Solution

Wireless connectivity via broadband internet is the standard for homes and businesses. No doubt about it. However, some people don’t have access to broadband internet at all. In some areas, prices are too high for what you get.

MiFi is a good home internet alternative. It’s affordable and works anywhere cell signal is available.

You just need to get a data plan with a carrier of your choice, insert the SIM card in the MiFi unit, and connect. Though, it’s not ideal for every home because of data, speed, and bandwidth limitations.

Below are most popular MiFi devices for cellular based home internet. You can even install them in your vehicle to stay connected on the road.

Best Home Signal Booster Kits

Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel Cellular Signal Booster

Pros:	Cons:
Meets most people's coverage requirements. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier boosters, maximizing amplification. Has incredible uplink, allowing greater reach to cell towers. Equipped with powerful Yagi antenna that outperforms the competition.	Can only boost one or two carriers at a time because of directional antenna. Will not cover your entire home if the outdoor signal is extremely weak.

Cel-Fi by Nextivity GO X Cell Signal Booster

Pros:	Cons:
Capable of providing whole-home coverage. Features highest amplification gain on the market. Is extremely customizable to fit any signal environment. Comes with an app that lets you monitor and manage performance.	On the pricier side. Only amplifies one cellular provider at a time.

SureCall Flare 3.0 Cell Signal Booster

Pros:	Cons:
Budget-friendly. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier boosters, maximizing amplification. Has incredible uplink, allowing greater reach to cell towers. Features 2-in-1 Amplifier/Indoor making installation a breeze.	Paired with Yagi antenna that’s slightly less powerful than the competition. Can only boost one or two carriers at a time because of directional antenna.

Best Cell Phone Boosters for Vehicles

Bolton Velocity Vehicle Cell Signal Booster Kit

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable yet powerful. Sleek design. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier vehicle boosters, maximizing amplification. Has incredible uplink, allowing greater reach to cell towers while on the go.	This configuration is not ideal for semis, heavy-duty trucks, RVs, or overlanders. Though, optimized kits for those vehicles are available.

weBoost Drive Reach Cell Signal Booster Kit

Pros:	Cons:
Sleek design. Offers max gain allowed by the FCC for multi-carrier vehicle boosters, maximizing amplification. Features higher gain than previous weBoost generations.	This configuration is not ideal for semis, heavy-duty trucks, RVs, or off-roaders. Though, optimized kits for those vehicles are available.

SureCall N-Range 2.0

SKU: SC-NRange2

Pros:	Cons:
Affordable. Supery easy to install. Idea for hands-free navigation	Only works with one device at a time.

MiFi Cellular Antennas

The following antennas are MIMO antennas. They can be directly connected to a MiFi cellular router to improve their performance.

Bolton Technical Crossbow

SKU: BT-THE-CROSSBOW

Poynting PUCK Antennas

SKU: PY-PUCK-0001-V1-01

FAQs

How Does WiFi Work?

WiFi tech is built into access points (I.e. WiFi routers, cellular hotspots, and internet gateways) and client devices (I.e. laptops, tablets, watches, appliances, etc.).

Wireless internet connectivity is established through a WLAN created by an access point. Information is wirelessly transferred via 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (with select models) frequencies. Wireless coverage and speed depend on router capabilities, connection strength, and other factors.

All WiFi client devices within the access point's coverage area can easily access social media, stream videos, and more without the use of wires. You can also extend your WiFi connection with a Mesh Network or Long-Range Network to remain connected throughout.

Here is our most popular mesh system:

Tenda EX12 AX3000 Mesh WiFi 6 System

SKU: TDEX12

For more information, visit:

• What is WiFi and How Does it Work?
• What is Long Range Networking and How Does I Work?
• What is a Mesh Network and How Does it Work?

How Does MiFi Work?

MiFi devices are comprised of a cellular modem and a WiFi router within a single casing. The modem part establishes an intent connection using 5G, 4G, and LTE data networks. The modem part provides WiFi connectivity. Rather than creating a WiFi network through fixed broadband, like a traditional WiFi router, MiFi devices do so using SIM cards.

Much like mobile devices, some MiFi models are rechargeable and last for hours. Other models require a consistent power source to keep you online. Supported devices, speed, and coverage all depend on the MiFi’s capabilities and your cellular provider.

What Does MiFi Stand For?

MiFi is thought to stand for “My WiFi” or “Mobile WiFi”. Though, it hasn't been confirmed.

Is MiFi Better than WiFi?

We can't say MiFi is better than WiFi because they are not the same. WiFi is a technology, while MiFi is a cellular device with built-in WiFi.

Comparing MiFi to broadband WiFi is a different story. If broadband internet infrastructure is lacking in your area or you need mobile internet, MiFi wins. Though, broadband WiFi is faster and offers much greater capacity than MiFi.

Is MiFi the Same as Mobile Hotspots?

Yes. While MiFi was originally a brand name for Inseego’s portable internet devices, it is now also used to refer to all types of mobile hotspots.

Is MiFi the Same as A Jetpack?

MiFi is a brand name given by Inseego to mobile hotspots. Jetpack is a brand name given by Verizon to mobile hotspots. While the naming convention is different, the device is the same. Like MiFi, Jetpack is often used to refer to all types of mobile hotspots.

See here for more information about Verizon Jetpacks.

What are the Benefits and Limitations of MiFi?

MiFi Benefits:

• Access to a private internet connection anywhere you have cell signal.
• No need to rely on public WiFi networks.
• Can be used as home intent for areas with little to no broadband infrastructure.
• Portable. Some models can even be carried in your pocket.
• Support multiple devices at the same time.
• Can keep travelers online in other countries with a SIM card from a carrier in said country.
• Saves your phone’s battery.

MiFi Limitations:

• WiFi coverage and speed provided depend on cellular signal strength.
• Multiple connected devices can decrease internet speed for all.
• Cellular signal is necessary for MiFi devices to work.
• Comes with data usage limits.

What’s the Difference Between MiFi and WiFi?

Simply put...

WiFi is a technology that makes wireless intent connectivity possible. It’s built into many devices, such as traditional internet routers, cellular routers, mobile hotspots, MiFis, phones, and the like. A WiFi network can be established through an internet service provider or cellular network. It all depends on your main WiFi access point.

As mentioned, MiFi is simply a device with built-in WiFi. There is a wide variety of MiFi models available to fit your needs. They’re able to connect WiFi-enabled devices to the internet using the cellular network. This makes MiFi devices highly portable. You can take them with you anywhere and stay connected when away from your regular WiFi network. Cellular signal is needed for a MiFi to work. Weak cell reception will impact data speeds for all connected devices.

Signal Boosters is a leading provider of signal boosters, cellular routers, and cellular antennas for homes, vehicles, and commercial buildings. Our products can help your MiFi device receive consistent signal for reliable WiFi connectivity anywhere you need it. We specialize in consumer-friendly kits as well as customized RF systems for cellular, public safety two-way radio, DAS, and WiFi.

We’re here to help with any connectivity issues you might be experiencing. Email us at sales@signalboosters.com or call us at 1-800-470-6777 with any questions you may have.