MiFi is actually a brand name used for a
portable broadband device that allows multiple end users and
mobile devices to share a 3G or 4G mobile broadband internet
connection and create an ad hoc network (mobile hotspot).
Novatel Wireless owns a registered trademark on the “MiFi” brand
name in many countries, but the term is used generically, like
Kleenex. It is a bit expensive, but you can think of it as
carrying around an internet connection in your pocket. Many
think these will be used to connect non-5G devices to the coming
5G network.
A MiFi box is great to
have if you are in an area with no internet access. Most devices
are about two by four inches. Depending on carrier, there may be
an additional monthly fee to your phone bill. Some devices have
their own connection that you can pay for by the day. MiFi boxes
prices range from about thirty to a few hundred US dollars
onetime cost.
WiFi is a wireless
networking standard that various devices, such as smartphones,
TVs, computers, etc., use to communicate with each other or the
internet without actual wires connecting them. Smart TVs use
WiFi to connect to the internet to provide streaming, like
Netflix, Amazon Video, and more.
A mobile hotspot is
created by a portable device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or
MiFi box that provide wireless or Ethernet internet access for
many devices including laptops, other smartphones, computers,
etc. One way to think of it is as a compact, battery powered
WiFi station that taps into cellular networks like a smartphone
does and then wirelessly shares its data connection with other
WiFi enabled devices.
Mobile hotspots
eliminate the worry of conducting business or personal work over
an unsecured public Wi-Fi connection, and mobile hotspots often
have faster connection speeds than public Wi-Fi. I have a
friend who uses his phone to create a hotspot so he can watch
streaming TV on his laptop while riding (not driving) in his
car.
Bottom line, MiFi and
Hotspot are devices with a wireless connection that other
devices can connect to using WiFi. WiFi is a standard of
communication.