The Difference Between CPE and MiFi
What's MiFi?
The MiFi, or Mobile WIFI, is a portable, broadband device that integrates the function of a modem, router and access point. It connects to a 5G/4G wireless network through the built-in modem, and shares this connection among multiple terminals through WiFi. The size of a MiFi is similar to a credit card or a power bank.
Sometimes referred to as a "personal hotspot" or mobile hotspot terminal, the MiFi allows users to quickly set up a small wireless local area network (WLAN) to convert 5G/4G network signals into WiFi signals. Generally, a MiFi can support up to five WiFi terminals at the same time.
MiFi is especially suitable for the following scenarios:
1. Mobile working: working outdoors or during a business trip and sharing the network among a small group of people.
2. Entertainment outdoors: watching movies, surfing the Internet, live broadcasting, etc.
3. Indoor internet access: for users who don’t have a wired internet connection and with no more than five WiFi connections.
Some people might ask why should I use a MiFi considering that a mobile phone can also be used as a WiFi hotspot. Here are the major advantages of a MiFi over a mobile phone as WiFi hotspot.
1. Battery life: This is the most important point. A smartphone can see its battery drop almost at a visible speed when the WiFi hotspot is enabled, while the MIFI lasts for 6-10 hours and is extremely durable.
2. Stable signal: Smartphones often go offline, while MIFI is a dedicated network device that is very stable.
3. Extremely fast Internet connection: Needless to say, smartphones can be slow because they have so many applications to process.
What's CPE?
CPE, or Customer Premise Equipment, is a wireless broadband access device that converts high-speed 4G or 5G signals into WIFI or wired LAN signals and supports a large number of terminals simultaneously accessing to the Internet. CPE can be widely used in villas, villages, towns, hospitals, SMB, factories and residential areas for fixed wireless access (FWA). It can save the cost of laying cables.
What's the Difference Between CPE and MiFi?
CPE has a larger coverage area than MiFi, supports more user connections simultaneously, and provides LAN ports and WiFi connection at the same time. Its function is similar to that of wireless router, but it is more convenient to use and can be moved any time. By purchasing a CPE and inserting a SIM card, users can access to Internet immediately.
In fact, CPE has similar functions to MiFi, except that it is larger in size and generally requires external power supply. It has stronger AP function and routing performance, and can be used simultaneously by tens of users or devices for internet connection. Besides, CPE has more advanced functionalities such as user authentication, VPN and billing.
