Thread vs WiFi | Difference between Thread and WiFi

This page compares Thread vs WiFi and mentions difference between Thread and WiFi technologies.

Introduction : Both WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) and Thread are wireless technologies used for communication between devices. Both technologies offer interoperability between devices from different manufacturers so that they communicate seamlessly. Both support IP based communication which enables seamless integration with internet and cloud based services. They support encryption and authentication mechanisms which ensure secure communication between devices. These technologies are used with the Matter protocol which is used in smart home system due to their respective benefits.

What is WiFi ?

Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It is the technology which allows devices to connect wirelessly to LAN (Local Area Network) and internet. It uses RF waves to transmit and receive data using EM (Electro-Magnetic) waves. It follows various IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards viz. 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac (WiFi-5) , 11ax (WiFi-6), 11be (WiFi-7) etc. WLAN standards define PHY and MAC layer specifications and other technical specifications for WiFi system. WiFi works on various frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

WiFi or WLAN architecture consists of AP, router, switch, modem, stations (or clients) with NIC or WLAN SoCs and network cables as shown in figure-1. Let us understand function of WiFi network elements.
Access Point (AP) : It is a device which provides wireless access to the wifi network. It is connected to wired network. It functions as Hub for wireless devices requiring wifi service.
Router : It is a device which connects multiple networks and enables devices to communicate with each other. It routes traffic between different networks. It also provides connection to the internet and cloud servers.
Switch : It is a device which connects multiple devices in wifi network which enables them to communicate with each other.
Modem : It is a device which connects WiFi network to the internet. It converts digital signal from the network into analog signals which can be transmitted over fiber optic line or telephone line used to carry internet data. In recent days, modem, router and AP functionalities are combined in a single device usually known as "WLAN Router".
Clients or Stations : These can be laptops or desktop PCs or Mobile phones or Tablets having built-in WiFi or WLAN SoCs in their respective mother boards. Wireless Network Interface Cards (NICs) are also available for laptops or desktop PCs to enable WiFi functionalities.

The benefits of WiFi are as follows.
➨It offers high bandwidth which makes it preferable for data intensive applications such as streaming media files, file transfers etc.
➨It is easy to set-up with simple configuration steps and requirement of a single router.
➨It is widely available in many public spaces, businesses and homes.
➨It supports large number of devices on single network.
➨It is compatible with wide range of devices such as smartphones, laptops, smart home devices etc.

The drawbacks of WiFi are as follows.
➨WiFi signals are affected due to wireless transmissions from other devices, physical barriers and other environmental factors.
➨WiFi consume low of power which is not preferable for battery operated devices.
➨WiFi signals have range limitations which requires installation of additional wifi access points and wifi range extenders.
➨WiFi signals are vulnerable to hacking if not secured as required.
➨WiFi uses single centralized router which leads to failure of entire WiFi network when router goes offline or becomes faulty.

What is Thread ?

It is an IP based wireless mesh networking technology designed for low power IoT devices. Thread is based on IEEE 802.15.4 standard and uses IPv6 as networking protocol. As it uses mesh topology, it allows devices to communicate with each other over multiple hops. It uses IPSec protocol to enable secure communication between devices. Hence data are protected from unauthorized access. Thread devices interoperates with other networking technologies such as WiFi, Zigbee and Bluetooth. Thread devices communicate with devices from other networks which is essential for smart home system. Thread offers low power consumption, low latency and high reliability.

Thread technology is used with Matter protocol in smart home ecosystem due to its low power and mesh topology. It can be used for various applications in a smart home such as lighting, security, temperature control etc. As shown in the figure-2, Matter protocol enables devices to communicate regardless of underlying technology such as Ethernet, WiFi or Thread.

The benefits of Thread are as follows.
➨Low power consumption
➨Robust security
➨Support for large number of devices in a single network
➨There is no single router and hence it eliminates single point of failure unlike WiFi. It offers reliable connectivity due to multiple pathways for communication.

The drawbacks of Thread are as follows.
➨Limited availability as it is a new technology.
➨Limited range compare to wifi. Hence it requires Thread Border Routers and Mesh Extenders to cover larger spaces.
➨Thread may not be compatible with all devices and requires specific hardware/software.
➨Thread is complex than WiFi and requires additional set up and configuration procedures.

Difference between Thread and WiFi

Following table mentions comparison between Thread and WiFi with respect to various parameters.

Parameters	Thread	WiFi
Power consumption	Less, Thread devices run on battery for longer period of time.	More, WiFi devices are not suitable for battery powered applications.
Security	More, Thread supports powerful encryption and authentication mechanisms which makes it robust against unauthorized access. It uses AES-128 encryption.	Less, WiFi networks are vulnerable to hacking and eavesdropping (if not secured properly). It uses WPA2 encryption.
Reliability	High, Thread is mesh network which eliminates single point of failure due to its self healing feature. In Thread, devices function as routers and relay messages.	Low, WiFi uses central router which leads to failure of entire network when router goes offline or becomes faulty.
Scalability	Higher, Supports several hundred devices in a single network with each device having multiple IPv6 addresses.	Lower, Supports limited number of devices which can connect to a router with each device having only one IP address.
Topology	Mesh	Star
Major application	Designed for smart home devices	Designed for internet access
Speed	Low speed	High speed
Interference	Less susceptible to interference	Susceptible to interference