Introduction
The demand for high-speed, reliable internet has taken off in recent years as people use more online services for work, entertainment, education and communication. 5G is “coming soon.” And despite the societal downfall it seems to be bringing (legalism and fear are prevalent themes), the cities that have been blessed with 5G so far have seen big improvements in wireless bandwidth and reliability. G WiFi G WiFi represents using part of 5G technology and spectrum to improve on traditional WiFi networks with much faster speeds and lower latency that will change how we see the internet. This article will discuss 5G WiFi, what it is, how it is different from old wireless standards, the advantages, its use cases, how it is deployed, the potential challenges, and lastly it will conclude with the future of this new technology.
What Is 5G WiFi?
5G WiFi isn’t a new WiFi standard, it’s the coming together of the ultra fast speeds of 5G cellular and the existing technology of WiFi. Huh? Well, in practical terms, 5G WiFi means that Writer’s 5G WiFi customers can receive internet service at their homes or workplaces through 5G-capable routers or gateways. These devices receive data from 5G cellular networks instead of — or in addition to — traditional fiber, cable or DSL connections. Once the router’s 5G antenna gets backhaul from the internet, it broadcasts a WiFi signal (often adhering to WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E standards) that devices like phones and computers can connect to within a certain radius. This method taps into 5G’s high bandwidth, low latency and wide reach while maintaining the familiar experience of accessing the web through WiFi indoors.
Different From Ancestral WiFi
Conventional WiFi systems rely on stationary internet distribution (i.e., backhaul) from fixed broadband access points, such as cable modems, fiber optics terminals, or DSL lines. Such links typically require hard wire runs into the structure, a constraint which restricts mobility and complicates installations in remote or difficult-to-reach locations. When you use a 5G WiFi router at home, you can enjoy the high-speed signal provided by 5G network, and you don’t have to cabling from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to the 5G network. The router converts the 5G signal into a local WiFi network so that devices like smartphones, laptops and smart home gadgets can connect just like they would on their home network.
5G Spectrum Bands
5G is based on three main spectrum bands: low-band (<1 GHz), mid-band (1–6 GHz), and millimeter wave (mmWave, 24 GHz and above). Each band has trade-offs:
Low-Band 5G provides broad coverage and moderate speeds (like 4G LTE in some cases).
Mid-Band 5G is a compromise that brings higher speeds (hundreds of Mbps) and nice coverage.
This mmWave 5G offers ultra-fast speeds (in the multiple Gbps), extremely low latency, but relatively limited coverage and poor penetration through walls.
For strong indoor coverage, most 5G WiFi routers depend on mid-band and low-band connections. mmWave is also rare used at home because of poor signal penetration.
Benefits of 5G WiFi
There are several advantages related to WiFi routers with 5G cellular backhaul compared to the standard cable-only setup:
Quicker Install, More Maneuverability
No More Waiting for Cabling: New development and rural homes and businesses can benefit from high- speed internet without waiting for the physical wireline infrastructure to be built out.
Portability: You can easily take the 5G WiFi hotspot from one location to another, allowing for temporary offices, pop-up retail, trade shows or passing the time on the go.
High Speeds and Low Latency
Gigabit Speeds: In mid-band and mmWave coverage areas, 5G can achieve speeds measured in gigabits-per-second, thoroughly surpassing most cable or DSL connections.
