Wi-Fi 6 Vs 5G is bound to keep you guessing about what to opt for; as we enter the mobile revolution. However, despite all the hype, the 5G is yet to be completely embraced by the masses, something that will occur very shortly. As for now, the current 5G is better than the existing 4G when it comes to downloading speeds, reducing latency, bring down the congestion rate on the network, among others. In a nutshell, we are not going to view our regular Wi-Fi the same way as before, thanks to the all-new 5G launch. But how do you decide between Wi-Fi 6 Vs 5G? For this, we will have to take a peek into each of these network connections to have a better understanding.
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The Technology: 5G Vs Wi-Fi 6 Comparison
OFDMA Technology
Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access or the OFDMA allows multiple access via featuring subcarriers to each user. This allows low-data rate transmission at the same time from multiple users. However, the best part is that OFDMA greatly reduces queuing and delays. This helps in improved efficiency, making it perfect for multiple users where innumerable small data packets need to be transmitted.
The Wi-Fi 6 works by adopting the technique to enhance the spectrum utilization capacity. In the case of the 5G, the technology also utilizes OFDMA when it comes to the frequency bandwidth and subcarrier.
MU-MIMO Technology
This stands for Multi-user, Multiple-input, multiple outputs. This technology allows the transmission and reception of multiple data signals at the same time on the same radio signal. This allows for increased data capacity despite a narrowband network without the need for increased or more spectrum.
In the case of Wi-Fi 6, the technology is enhanced by the support of uplink MU-MIMO that allows for 8X8 antenna arrays, as compared to Wi-Fi 5. When it comes to the 5G vs Wi-Fi 6 comparison, the 5G is quite similar to the operation, except it manages an upgrade to the ‘Massive MIMO.’ This implies that the number of antennas can be 64 transmits and 64 receive, thus improving the coverage. In a way, the 5G can also be termed as the ‘3D MIMO’ as it supports both vertical and horizontal directions.
The Spectrum
It is essential to understand the spectrum usage if we need to get to the bottom of the Wi-Fi 5G Vs Wi-Fi 6 battle. The Wi-Fi 6 operates the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Here the 2.4 GHZ is for the wireless frequency but has a high interference. On the other hand, the 5G band is better at speed and is ‘anti-interference in nature. This also attributes to its short-distance transmission capabilities. As it permits more number of frequency bands, the Wi-Fi 6 has a better promise for the future.
When it comes to the 5G frequency band, it is further divided into two different categories. One is the frequency band lower than the 3 GHz and is used on the existing networks and multiple usages. The other sub-band is the 6 GHZ and is also used for the 5G applications, thus offering better coverage and penetration abilities.
To date, the Wi-Fi frequency bands are free of charge, thus making its usage possible without the process of registration. When it comes to 5G Vs Wi-Fi 6, the 5G spectrum can be bought by a country’s carriers. While Spectrum sharing continues to be a problem, various countries have already started to allocate the 5G spectrum as a combination of telecom and vertical industries.
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The Network Devices
5G vs Wi-Fi 6 speed can be vouched concerning the devices in question. When it comes to Wi-Fi functions, innumerable devices like laptops, smartphones, projection Tv and printers can access the network. Currently, these devices can easily be connected to the Wi-Fi network with the WLAN Apps supporting the IoT protocol. However, various devices are not Wi-F compatible; in such a case, these can be supported by RFID, ZigBee, and Bluetooth.
On the other hand, the 5G is all about prioritizing the personal mobile terminal. This allows personal mobile users to use the SIM cars for access to the cellular networks.
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The Network Stability
Is Wi-Fi 6 faster than 5G? Well, that has a lot to do with the stability standards of each of them. However, most users have discovered that cellular networks are more stable than Wi-Fi networks. This is mainly because the Wi-Fi frequency bands are more public and susceptible to more interference. Also, it tends to slow down with the increase in the number of users. However, the good news is that since the Wi-Fi 6 has adopted the OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, this will greatly help in improving the efficiency and capacity of the network. Thus, one can declare that the Wi-Fi 6 era is very much at par with the 5G when it comes to stability issues.
The Network Flexibility
When it comes to Wi-Fi 6 versus 5G in terms of flexibility, the Wi-Fi steals the show. This is because the Wi-Fi can be deployed or expanded according to the number of users involved. The deployment process involves the addition of APs and customizable policies that can control the terminals that are accessible to various network resources. This also allows access to their bandwidth, thus, allowing the brand new terminals to gain access to the Wi-Fi network through the simple process of creating one’s account.
As for the 5G, all terminal traffic must get across the Carrier’s network; this results in the in-efficiency of the transmission. It requires a license if a new terminal attempts to access the network. Also, in case of network expansion, the carriers are required to assist.
The Network Security
The difference between 5G and Wi-Fi 6 is also observed when it comes to security concerns. Here, Wi-Fi 6 is the undisputed winner, with the WPA3 featured in the next-gen Wi-Fi. Not far behind, the 5G has managed to address the issue of user information leakage that 4G previously faced. Additional security is also enhanced by 5G as it extends its key length from 128 bits to 256 bits, implying the fact that the longer key bits translate to better security.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G implies: A closer Look?
When it comes to Wi-Fi 6 Vs 5G latency, let us take a brief at some of the differences in the features:
FEATURES | WI-FI 6 | 5G |
MIMO | 8T8R/12T12R-8 streams | Indoor: 4T4R-4 streams Outdoor: 64T64R-16 streams |
MODULATION | 1024QAM | 256QAM |
FREQUENCY | No limits, free | Controlled by the carriers, limited |
FREQUENCY BANDWIDTH | Campus: 80 MHz Household: 160 MHz | 100 MHz |
RATE PER USER | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
TERMINAL TYPES | Multiple enterprises | Mobile terminals |
COST | Low | High |
SECURITY | Security guaranteed | High air interface security |
DEPLOYMENT PERIOD | Large-sized enterprises: 2-3 months | LAN: 4-5 months WAN: 1-1.5 years |
MANAGEMENT | Enterprise management Personnel | The Carriers s |
Wi-Fi 6 Vs 5G: Conclusion: Is Wi-Fi better than 5G?
There is no dispute over the fact that the 5G is the latest new kid on the block’. The new technology has benefitted more users than before, as it manages to cover both the inside and the outside vicinities. So, do we need to get rid of the Wi-Fi altogether? Not exactly, and not yet.
The Indoors
The Wi-Fi 6 manages to handle the high-density areas with better ease in comparison. Also, directional antennas can be utilized to cover the special locations that require high-density access needs.
As for the 5G, it sees excellent applications and requirements for the mMTC (massive machine-type communications), which is required for the connection of the IoT devices. The current glitch in the complete access to the 5G tech is the different IoT protocols for various applications. However, the lethal combination of the IoT with Wi-Fi makes the latter perfect for indoor scenarios.
The Outdoors
When it comes to the outdoors, the 5G outperforms the Wi-Fi 6. Thanks to the 5G outdoor macro base stations, this tech is excellent when it comes to both reach and range. We will get to see a lot of 5G applications in Drones, cars, and IoT devices.
Before You Go:
The not-so-far future proposes a requirement where the ‘charms’ of both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will see a mergence. This will benefit both public and private networks due to the complementary roles of each of them. This will see an acceleration of the digital transformation, thus allowing enhanced efficiency within fewer budgets.