Why can't 5G replace Wi-Fi?
(Baonghean.vn) - 5G and Wi-Fi are both technologies that enable the provision of high-speed, low-latency and large-user capacity communication networks, and both of these technologies are essential to fully exploit the potential of the Internet in the future.
 |
Illustration photo. |
Although 5G technology is being tested and deployed commercially in many countries around the world, it cannot replace the Wi-Fi technology that has been widely used for decades. Each technology has different strengths and provides users with different connectivity options. The coexistence of both technologies is considered ideal to improve the performance of users' wireless information networks.
5G technology will bring many useful features to users, especially applications that require high speed and low latency. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi technology is still being developed and continuously updated with new versions such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 to meet users' increasing needs for data access speed.
Overall, 5G and Wi-Fi both have their strengths and weaknesses. Both can deliver high speeds (gigabit speeds) with low latency suitable for gaming and other applications. However, 5G and Wi-Fi still have some fundamental differences as follows:
Frequency spectrum used
5G mobile networks operate on licensed frequency spectrum in bands such as 700 MHz, 2,600 MHz, 3,500 MHz, 26 GHz, etc. To use these bands, mobile network operators must be licensed by authorities to use the bands through various licensing methods, either directly or through competition or auction, and must pay a sum of money to the state depending on the value of each band. To expand coverage, mobile network operators must build a network of mobile base stations (also known as BTS stations) to provide mobile services to users. To recoup their investments and seek profits, mobile network operators will charge mobile users.
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi networks operate on the license-free frequency spectrum in bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz, which means that these bands are unlicensed and completely free, and everyone can have their own Wi-Fi network without having to apply for a license to use it. Wi-Fi network users only need to pay an Internet service provider (ISP) to provide internet to their home, then users use a router to cover the Wi-Fi signal in their home. However, the Wi-Fi signal only covers a narrow range (in buildings, cafes, halls, etc.), when users leave this coverage area, they will no longer be able to use it.
Flexibility, capacity and network scalability
The advantage of Wi-Fi networks is that the cost of deploying, maintaining and expanding the network is lower, especially when access points need to serve many users, in a small area. So this technology will continue to dominate the home and business environment. Wi-Fi networks provide excellent support for a wide range of devices that need to access data such as personal computers (PCs), tablets, smartphones, streaming devices, TVs, printers...
Meanwhile, 5G networks will be more flexible, have wider coverage, and will be used for mobile connections such as smartphones, connected vehicles, smart city deployments, and manufacturing operations. Once the infrastructure is in place, 5G can support a large number of users and applications distributed across many different devices, and can maintain more stable performance even when a large number of users are connected at the same time. However, to deploy 5G mobile networks and provide widespread coverage to users, mobile operators need to invest a huge amount of money.
Privacy and Security
Wi-Fi networks authenticate user access, while 5G cellular networks authenticate device access; both technologies can be configured to meet security standards. While 5G’s approach to network segmentation and device access authentication has its advantages, the next versions of Wi-Fi technology such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 have also improved security. Therefore, it is difficult to determine which technology is more secure.
Speed, latency and network resilience
In terms of user experience, 5G and Wi-Fi network speeds are comparable (theoretically, 5G network speeds can reach up to 10 gigabits/second, Wi-Fi 6 network speeds are around 9.6 gigabits/second) and the latency of both technologies is in the order of milliseconds. Meanwhile, network resilience is one of the strengths promoted by 5G technology proponents thanks to the ability to divide mobile bandwidth into component carriers. This has led many to consider 5G a flexible network solution and is crucial for the deployment of future Internet of Things networks.
Wi-Fi or 5G is best for business?
Most businesses are using a combination of 5G and Wi-Fi technology, including secure local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) that comply with Wi-Fi technology standards. Today, Wi-Fi LANs are still recommended to work together with 5G technology for most businesses with large footprints because they are flexible, reliable, and cost-effective.
The Wireless Broadband Association (WBA) sees Wi-Fi as a very important part of the 5G ecosystem and has been pushing ecosystem players to work together to integrate Wi-Fi more seamlessly into 5G networks.
For example, in the process of factory automation, machine-to-machine communication plays a very important role, so using both Wi-Fi and 5G at the same time will bring high connection performance to businesses, especially in large campuses. Or in the case of a connected car, the car will automatically connect to the 5G mobile network, then rely on the in-car Wi-Fi network to provide connection to user devices such as smartphones, tablets, etc.
According to the Ericsson Mobility Report published in November 2022, by the end of 2022, 5G mobile subscriptions worldwide will reach 1 billion. It is forecasted that by the end of 2028, there will be 5 billion 5G subscriptions globally, accounting for 55% of the world's total mobile subscriptions.
Regarding 5G network deployment, data released in December 2022 by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) shows that, nearly 4 years after Korea deployed the world's first commercial 5G network in April 2019, there are now 243 commercial 5G networks globally and 514 mobile operators investing in 5G networks.
Meanwhile, according to a report by global market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the global Wi-Fi market size is expected to grow from $12.3 billion in 2022 to $31.3 billion in 2027, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4% during the forecast period 2022-2027.