Difference Between WiFi & Bluetooth
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are two different types of wireless technology that are used in devices such as laptops, mobile phones, printers and video game hardware. While Bluetooth and Wi-Fi both facilitate wireless communication between devices, the practical uses differ. Wi-Fi allows computers, video game consoles and smartphones to connect to a local area network (LAN), and Bluetooth enables connections between individual devices, such as mobile phones and headsets.
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Wi-Fi Functions
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Wi-Fi technology enables local area network and Internet connections. With Wi-Fi, a laptop or desktop computer can connect to a home or professional network's wireless modem. This modem will bridge a connection with a router or hub that serves as a gateway to the Internet. Using Wi-Fi, you can use your computer to browse the web without wires or cables, which you would otherwise need. Many mobile phones such as the iPhone are also equipped with Wi-Fi capability.
Bluetooth Functions
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Unlike Wi-Fi, Bluetooth does not connect devices to local area networks or the Internet; rather, it connects two devices together. With Bluetooth, you can connect your computer, phone and other electronics to hardware peripherals such as headphones, headsets, printers, keyboards or a computer mouse. Using Bluetooth, you can connect your headphones to your MP3 player or your keyboard to your computer without a need for wires. Usually Bluetooth peripherals are powered by batteries that need to be charged or replaced.
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Ranges
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In general, Wi-Fi covers a larger distance than Bluetooth. Although both have limited ranges, Wi-Fi connections can be created over more than 100 feet while most Bluetooth devices have a range of only a tenth of that distance. If you are using a headset for your cell phone, for example, the two devices will need to be in close proximity. To access the Internet from your laptop, your wireless router or modem can be in a completely different area of your home.
Technology
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Wi-Fi technology is about three years older than Bluetooth. While both facilitate connections through radio waves, Wi-Fi requires more than ten times more bandwidth. In general, Bluetooth is more energy efficient with lower levels of power consumption than Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi connects devices to the Internet, the purpose of Bluetooth is to eliminate the need for cable connections between two devices. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group manages Bluetooth technology, and the Wi-Fi Alliance, a group of companies from all over the world, manages Wi-Fi.
Difficulty Comparison
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While Bluetooth technology is relatively straightforward, a Wi-Fi connection may be more difficult to establish. To create a wireless network, you must incorporate security options such as a password, and you may need to buy special Wi-Fi cards or adapters depending on the type of network that you would like to build. On the other hand, if two devices are Bluetooth-enabled and compatible, connecting them is as simple as plugging a mouse into a computer. You do not need to worry about creating passwords or running customized network software.
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References
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