Will 5G Replace Wi-Fi?
Thanks to 5G technology, mobile data has become just as efficient for a strong internet connection as our home networks. After all, it’s even faster than cable internet! All you need is a 5G-ready mobile phone and a 5G tower nearby. Say goodbye to routers, cables, and even broadband infrastructure. Because of this, many have started wondering why we even need our home Wi-Fi networks. Will 5G replace Wi-Fi?
Well, not quite. After all, 5G is not a Wi-Fi replacement but a completely different technology with similar benefits. This blog post explains what 5G is and how it compares to home Wi-Fi networks. Keep reading to find out more!
5G vs Wi-Fi: What’s the Difference?
Before we start, we first need to go over some common Wi-Fi terms to help understand whether 5G will replace Wi-Fi. Below, we explain what Wi-Fi and 5G are, outlining their pros and cons.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless networking technology that connects devices to the internet and lets them communicate with one another without the need for physical cables. It operates based on the IEEE 802.11 standard – a set of protocols for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) communication.
Wi-Fi connects devices using radio waves, typically in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This way, you can receive wireless signals from your router, allowing multiple devices within your household or office to access the internet simultaneously through a single Wi-Fi network.
The latest generation of Wi-Fi technology is Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax Wi-Fi. It offers several improvements over its predecessors, including:
- higher data rates,
- increased capacity,
- better performance in environments with many connected devices,
- improved power efficiency.
Wi-Fi 6 can theoretically reach speeds up to 9.6 Gbps, though actual speeds will vary based on the environment and the specific hardware used.
Range as Wi-Fi’s Main Limitation
Wi-Fi networks have a limited range, usually effective within a few hundred feet from the router. The signal strength decreases as the distance from the router increases, resulting in slower connection speeds, increased latency, or even dropped connections. Physical obstructions like walls and floors can further reduce signal strength and range. Therefore, Wi-Fi is less optimal for outdoor use and not used when you’re on the move.
What is 5G?
5G stands for 5th generation of broadband cellular communications, each generation being faster than the earlier one. It first entered our lives in 2019. The 5G network has enough capacity to connect vast amounts of devices, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Machine to Machine (M2M) systems. Additionally, 5G technology supports bandwidth-heavy activities, such as exploring immersive digital VR worlds, augmented reality, and industrial automation.
Unlike Wi-Fi, users can connect to 5G anywhere there’s a signal. They can turn on mobile data and instantly enjoy high internet speeds, regardless of the router’s location and other challenges that otherwise slow down the internet.
Compared to 4G and its forebearers, 5G supplies the following benefits:
- Multi-gigabit speeds (100 times faster than 4G)
- Higher maximum upload and download speeds (minimum speeds of 20 Gbps)
- Higher traffic volumes
- Low latency, which means no perceivable lagging
- Wider bandwidth with higher frequency spectrums
- Reliable internet in areas without broadband infrastructure, bridging the digital divide
- Potential to service 8.4 million homes in rural areas
- Potential for new and improved technologies, such as smart home devices, AI machinery, and cloud storage
The figure below shows what applications of 5G consumers are most excited about, according to IBM’s 2019 study, What Consumers Expect from 5G Entertainment.
Source: IBM
However, the new 5G technology also has its drawbacks.
- New cybersecurity risks. New software means new points of entry for cybercriminals. We will need to learn new ways of protecting our personal information online.
- More cyberattacks. 5G promises higher connectivity, but with more devices connected to the internet, there’s an even higher risk of cyberattacks.
- The rollout is slow despite all the potential 5G holds. 5G can improve connectivity in rural areas, but it’s much easier to set up transmitters in cities with higher buildings. Therefore, the digital divide could temporarily grow larger.
Why Hasn’t 5G Replaced Wi-Fi Yet?
You might be wondering why 5G has not replaced Wi-Fi yet, considering it has less latency and can reach higher speeds.
Here’s why:
- Setting up and maintaining 5G infrastructure requires significant investment, making Wi-Fi a more cost-effective solution for home and business networks.
- Wi-Fi services are often included in broadband packages, providing unlimited data at lower costs.
- Wi-Fi provides stable and reliable coverage within a confined area such as a home or office.
- Most devices (including smart TVs, desktops, and IoT gadgets) are built to connect to Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi networks allow for easier management of connected devices and network security.
- Users can control their network settings locally, and have secure connections tailored to their specific needs.
Additionally, mobile 5G plans may have data caps and higher costs compared to unlimited Wi-Fi plans, making Wi-Fi a more economical and practical solution for activities like online gaming, streaming, and large downloads.
Wi-Fi vs 5G: Technical Comparison
| Features | 5G | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| You Use It For |
|
|
| Speed & bandwidth* | Up to 20 Gbps | Up to 9.6 Gbps |
| Latency | Ultra-low latency (as low as 1 millisecond) | 20-150 ms |
| Data privacy & security |
|
|
| Coverage & range |
|
|
| Underlying technologies | Beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output), and millimeter waves | Beamforming, OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access) |
| Infrastructure |
|
|
| *Note: Peak data rates represent the maximum achievable speeds under ideal conditions. Actual speeds experienced by users will be lower due to various factors such as network congestion, signal strength, and device capabilities. | ||
*Note: Peak data rates represent the maximum achievable speeds under ideal conditions. Actual speeds experienced by users will be lower due to various factors such as network congestion, signal strength, and device capabilities.
Will 5G Replace Wi-Fi?
So, the question remains: will 5G replace Wi-Fi? The simple and short answer is no.
As explained above, 5G is a cellular technology and Wi-Fi is a wireless LAN technology. They’re two different technologies that are in no way competing. You can typically find Wi-Fi in indoor spaces or set locations, but you can connect to 5G anywhere.
They have some shared features, namely higher internet speeds and bandwidth. Each with its benefits, they can bridge the digital divide to form a better broadband infrastructure for a better-connected tomorrow.
5G and Wi-Fi currently co-exist. For example, if you turn on your mobile data and Wi-Fi, your smartphone will automatically connect to the source that provides a better service. In the upcoming years, we can expect to see 5G and Wi-Fi converging in new ways.
Conclusion: 5G Won’t Replace Wi-Fi (Yet)
The world we’re living in is more connected with every passing year, thanks to new technologies, such as 5G. But will 5G replace Wi-Fi, the network technology we all use in our daily lives? We don’t think so.
5G and Wi-Fi are not mutually exclusive technologies, and they both have their sets of pros and cons.
While it’s too early to tell how the relationship between 5G and Wi-Fi will work out in the long run, it’s safe to say that 5G won’t replace Wi-Fi. Together, they’ll enable us to connect to more devices, enjoy higher internet speeds, and spend more time in VR worlds.
One thing is certain: slow internet will soon be a thing of the past. At Race Communications, we’re dedicated to bringing fast and reliable fiber internet to all communities in California and beyond.
If you’re interested in our services, contact our specialists at 877-722-3833 or send us an inquiry.
