Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been urging sbscribers to subscribe to 4G MiFi and 4G Router, which seems to be a new lingo on its own.
Many of us are familiar with WiFi; but then, what on earth is MiFi?
According to service provider, Signal Boosters, among the different types of internet communications available today, WiFi and MiFi are the most popular buzzwords.
However, here’s what you need to know about MiFi, compared to WiFi.
WiFi is 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.
However, MiFi is a device with built-in WiFi tech. In other words, it is a portable internet hotspot that uses the cellular network to create an ad hoc WLAN.
WiFi-enabled devices can enjoy wireless internet connectivity on the go and in areas lacking broadband infrastructure.
Without WiFi technology, mobile internet wouldn’t be possible.
Despite the wrong notion, WiFi is not an acronym. It does not stand for Wireless Fidelity, Wireless Fiber, or anything at all really.
Rather, the branding firm, Interbrand, picked WiFi because many customers said the similarity to HiFi (High Fidelity) helped them understand the concept.
On its own, 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 portable hotspot devices, such as cellular routers and mobile hotspots.
However, 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 that MiFi devices receive. So, as you move from place to place, results will vary.
Experts say that with 5G, however, MiFi speeds can rival broadband intent. Though, ultra-fast 5G isn’t available everywhere.
“On the average, MiFi speeds are close to the speeds you can get on your phone,” Signal Boosters says.
The tech firm warns that most MiFi devices average 4G LTE speeds or slower. And, 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.
MiFi is regarded as a good home internet solution, though wireless connectivity via broadband internet is the standard for homes and businesses.
However, since some people don’t have access to broadband internet at all, MiFi might be a good home internet alternative.
“It’s affordable and works anywhere cell signal is available,” Signal Boosters say.
You just need to get a data plan with a carrier of your choice, insert the SIM card in the MiFi unit, and connect.
Bottom line
Be warned, though, that MiFi is not ideal for every home because of data, speed, and bandwidth limitations.
