topic Re: Difference between Wifi and Hotspot ? in Wireless

Difference between Wifi and Hotspot ?

sanjaynadarajah — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 16:47:07 GMT

Hi,

I have a very simple question which is 'what is the difference between a WIFI and a Hotspot ?

Thank you.

-- Sanjay.

gamccall — Thu, 08 Jul 2004 15:35:23 GMT

WiFi is the technology. You build a wireless network based on the WiFi specifications and principles... there's no such thing as "a WiFi".

An Access Point is a physical device which is used to offer WiFi service to a small area.

A Hotspot is the area served by an access point.

So, you go to a hotspot so you can connect with an access point using WiFi: Hotspot is the where, access point is the what, WiFi is the how.

sanjaynadarajah — Thu, 08 Jul 2004 23:40:50 GMT

Hi gamccall,

Thank you for the explanation. I understand the difference now.

You have a good day.

Cheers,

Sanjay.

vinayaketx — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 09:09:26 GMT

Wi-Fi is a general term which is used in case of wireless availability of Internet while hotspot is a kind of router or physical device which is used to provide the Internet via wireless technology.
Wi-Fi itself is a kind of Internet service provider while hotspot is nothing just an access point.
To some extent Wi-Fi is itself more secure than hotspot because in hotspot anyone can access the Internet and in some cases can see the users traffic as well.
Wi-Fi signal can be accessed up to the range of 20 meters or 66 feet while hotspot signals can be accessed in the range of 33 ft.
In the case of many users, hotspot provides low speed as compared to Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi is still a paid internet service in many locations while hotspot services are mostly free as it is offered to please the customers or visitors.
Hotspot services are primarily provided by cellular or phone companies while Wi-Fi services are delivered by a local area Internet service provider.