What is the Difference Between Wi-Fi and Hotspot?

The main terms Wi-Fi and hotspot are generally treated almost as interchangeable jargon referring to an internet connection, but they are not entirely the same. While they have been dedicated to similar operating times, they are used in different ways to give Internet wirelessly.

The Internet “sharing” via Wi-Fi and hotspot methods are quite different. 

Wi-Fi refers to a wireless technology that enables communication among devices such as cellphones, laptops, and tablets without wires as a means of linking them to the Internet. 

It feels like being at home with Wi-Fi or in a coffee house where you may use multiple devices to connect to the internet.

A hotspot, another term but smaller than a Wi-Fi zone, is a tool that comes with your smartphone—it is responsible for creating an area of Wi-Fi. 

It’s as simple as its own Wi-Fi mini network that can fit in your pocket. By using your phone’s hotspot, other devices can get connected to it to access the internet, and network using your phone’s available data connection.

Wi-Fi is only a description of the entire wireless internet connection, while the hotspot is just one of the ways to share the internet access from one device to several other devices.

Is Wi-fi an Acronym?

It is true that “Wi-Fi” is an initial for “Wireless Fidelity”. This phrase draws its origin from “Hi-Fi” which means “High Fidelity”, a word well known in the audio world and denotes sound reproduction of a high grade. 

The service provider providing Wi-Fi means the “Wireless Fidelity” which indicates the quality of wireless internet connections is not sufficient.

That Wi-Fi image you are used to seeing on your devices like phones or computers means they can connect to the Internet wirelessly using radio waves, not cables. 

Wi-Fi is the short form of wireless Internet connection technology that is used as a medium for providing us the accessibility to use the Internet anytime and anywhere within the Wi-Fi network range.

What is Hotspot?

A hotspot is a Wi-Fi amenity that is mobile like a portable Wi-Fi. The term it is referring to your phone or a separate device enabling you to set a small area of wifi around it. 

Your phone’s hotspot is not just to your devices, like for example laptop or tablet, but also to other devices to access the internet. 

Such apps are useful when the internet connection is unavailable, like in places without Wi-Fi, parks, or even when commuting on public transport. So, imagine that your phone acts as a wireless router for Wi-Fi. 

The hotspot is turned on and starts broadcasting the handle through which other devices on the go will connect to the internet with your data link. 

But, it must be also taken in mind that by using the hotspot you can exhaust your phone’s data which makes paying the body for data within your mobile phone’s plan necessary.

Is Hotspot Better Than Wi-fi?

Hotspot and Wi-Fi are designed to deal with discrepancies so it is about suitability rather than one being better or other.

Wifi is great for linking multiple devices at a given spot that is your home or a cafe, where you can connect to the wifi in such fixed locations- your home or a cafe. It permits wireless connection to the internet by the exclusion of cables.

A hotspot is very convenient in case you are traveling and in places that don’t have an Internet connection. It turns your phone into an engine of essential Wi-Fi router, which enables other devices to connect to the internet, using your phone’s data as a ballast.

Concerning the issue of speed and reliability, LANs are generally slower but more reliable because results are usually transmitted through phone lines, which carry low-speed Internet. 

Yet, if you last in a nearby Wi-Fi area, a hotspot might be a handy solution for a temporary internet connection. Consequently, this can count as the best selection whether hotspot/or Wi-Fi, is a kind of special situation. 

Conclusion

Wi-Fi and hotspots have different ways of providing internet access. It is a short-range high-speed wireless networking technology that provides wireless connectivity for devices in fixed locations (like in homes or cafes) and enables connected devices to access the internet without cables at the same time. 

Most of the time it is faster and more stable because it’s commonly associated with high-speed connection.

On the other hand, a hotspot is another alternative way in which a cell phone or a separate device can be converted into a portable Wi-Fi network. 

It is useful especially when you are on a move or even in places where there is no Wi-Fi thus, you can share your mobile’s internet connection to other devices so they can also use it for surfing the web. 

When at hotspots the user has the chance of accessing the internet, but the speed and choice of apps may be lower compared to regular Wi-Fi networks.

Funny enough, Wi-Fi is good for permanent locations in which the internet is stable enough, and hotspots are a better option when it comes to temporary on-the-road internet. 

CSN Team.