无线上网：
WiFi代表无线保真。 WiFi 使用无线电波提供无线高速互联网和网络连接。使用无线适配器建立 WiFi 连接以创建热点。 WiFi 天线的尺寸足够小，可以放置在非常小的路由器上。 WiFi 可用于连接打印机、计算机、游戏机等。
无线网络：
WiMax 代表微波接入的无线互操作性。 WiMax 使用许可或未许可的频谱来提供与网络的连接。 WiMax 处理更大的可互操作网络。 WiMax 可用于提供互联网服务，例如移动数据和 WiFi 热点。
WiFi和WiMax的区别：
| WiFi | WiMax |
|---|---|
| Wifi is defined under IEEE 802.11x standards where x stands for various WiFi versions. | WiMax is defined under IEEE 802.16y standards where y stands for various WiMax versions. |
| WiFi is for LAN (Local Area Network) applications. | WiMax is for MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) applications. |
| WiFi does not guarantee any Quality of Service (Qos). | WiMax guarantee Quality of Service (Qos). |
| WiFi network range is around 100 meters. | WiMax network can reach about 50-90 km. |
| WiFi MAC layer uses CSMA/CA protocol which is not connection oriented. | WiMax is connection oriented in nature. |
| WiFi is short range technology. | WiMax is long range technology. |
| WiFi connection can transmit upto 54 mbps. | WiMax connection can transmit upto 70 mbps. |