Water leak prevention systems: Wi-Fi or LTE?
Wi-Fi and LTE are wireless technologies used by modern water leak detection systems. Each has its own features and advantages. Which one is best suited to your situation?
To help you answer this question, this article will cover:
- The difference between Wi-Fi and LTE
- The advantages of Wi-Fi and when to choose it
- The advantages of LTE and when to choose it
What to choose between Wi-Fi and LTE for a water damage prevention system?
The difference between Wi-Fi and LTE mainly lies in the source of the Internet connection, the coverage, and the intended use.
Wi-Fi is a local wireless network that provides connectivity via a Wi-Fi access point (router). Its range is more limited.
LTE (long-term evolution) is a type of network that uses mobile carriers’ cell towers. It offers better coverage.
Both options are valid—it all depends on your situation. Since Wi-Fi networks are more prone to disruptions, an LTE cellular connection could ensure more reliable service continuity. However, if your area is not well covered by cellular networks, using a Wi-Fi connection may be the better choice.
Let’s take a closer look.
What are the advantages of Wi-Fi?
As mentioned, the risks of disruption are higher with Wi-Fi:
- Reduced bandwidth
- Hardware failure of the router or modem
- Required maintenance
- Password changes
- Accidental unplugging
- etc.
That said, if you live in a single-family home and your Wi-Fi is not shared by multiple co-owners, it could work perfectly well. Wi-Fi also offers a more reliable connection than LTE in areas with weak cellular coverage.
In addition, Wi-Fi is included in fixed Internet service plans, so it doesn’t incur any extra costs. LTE, on the other hand, uses data from a mobile plan. With the NOWA 4S system, the costs are minimal and included in the PRESENCE service plan.
When to choose Wi-Fi?
- Single-family homes
- Multi-generational homes
- Secondary homes with weak cellular coverage
What are the advantages of LTE?
If your Wi-Fi fails during a power outage and your Internet connection is unstable, LTE technology is the preferred option. Its coverage is extensive and reliable. This is also the case if you live in a condominium and must share the same Wi-Fi network, which may easily become overloaded.
LTE connectivity, which is independent for each detection system, ensures increased reliability. With its own SIM card, each control panel communicates without interference, unlike Wi-Fi, which shares bandwidth among multiple devices.
In multi-unit and condo buildings, having an independent connection is a significant advantage. In the event of an incident, only the power to the affected system can be turned off, rather than cutting power to the entire floor.
Another advantage: while Wi-Fi depends on a router that requires electricity to function, a detection system with LTE connectivity remains operational even during a power outage thanks to its backup battery. It’s the best choice for isolated or temporary locations. LTE is ideal for areas without continuous power and for rural locations with limited Internet connectivity.
Finally, LTE requires no Wi-Fi setup and provides better cybersecurity, as the data travels over a separate cellular network, reducing the risk of intrusion through the local network.
When to choose LTE or hybrid mode?
- Condominiums and multi-unit buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Areas without Wi-Fi service
- Homes without continuous power
- Mostly unoccupied or seasonal homes
- Rural areas
NOWA 4S: a hybrid system that combines the strengths of Wi-Fi and LTE
Leveraging both the LTE cellular network and Wi-Fi, the NOWA 4S hybrid system delivers the best of both worlds.
Hybrid systems come ready to use and make installation easier than ever. Simply plug in and configure the device, and you’re done. In the event of water detection, an alert reaches the system’s control panel in less than a second.
The NOWA 4S system can communicate via Wi-Fi or LTE, offering unmatched versatility and continuous operation even during a power outage. Its backup battery provides more than 24 hours of autonomy.
Each NOWA 4S* smart system is equipped with its own SIM card and connects to the management portal as well as the mobile app. Its management is independent, allowing each co-owner to manage their system without impacting their neighbors and without being affected by incidents elsewhere in the building.
Learn more about the next-generation NOWA 4S leak prevention system, designed to be efficient, safe, and simple to use.
Looking to have one of our systems installed or have questions about them? Find a certified expert in your area.
*Upgrading the NOWA 360 model to LTE is also possible.
