5G refers to the fifth-generation cellular broadband service rolling out globally. On the other hand, WiFi 6 is the latest deployed wireless standard for the local area networks. Both 5G and WiFi 6 are better than their predecessors, and both provide the user with a faster internet connection which one can verify on Speed Test and a low latency rate. So what is better for the businesses, 5G or WiFi 6? The answer might be surprising for many that it is not an either/or option, but companies should use both WI-Fi6 and 5G for holistic growth.
How Are 5G and WiFi 6 Different?
Firstly, 5G connections are still rolling out, whereas WiFi 6 is already available. Therefore, businesses across the globe can lay their hands on WiFi 6 much sooner than a 5G connection. The 5G network is primarily optimized for gaining more coverage. The WiFi 6, however, works towards providing more density and capacity. You can use Wateen to check the internet speed of both 5G and WiFi 6 connections in your area to test the internet speed difference between both.
Also, the WiFi 6 and 5G use cases are slightly different. For instance, WiFi 6 is highly beneficial for carpeted enterprises along with public and retail venues. Whereas 5G connectivity primarily targets transportation and rural and urban fixed wireless. It is recommended to use both connections to complement each other to get the maximum out of both 5G and WiFi 6
How Can Businesses Benefit From 5G Connectivity?
5G will offer businesses an enhanced mobile broadband connection by improving the speed, coverage and density. It will help businesses to engage in data transfer without any network issues. It will indirectly give a significant boost to IoT and connectivity. Additionally, it sports low latency and ultra-high reliability. The low latency rate again will help businesses to utilize the IoT to its true potential and will help in improving their functionality.
How Can Businesses Benefit From WiFi 6?
Firstly, the WiFi 6 will give a speed of 9.6 Gbps which is significantly higher than the speed that WiFi 5 used to deliver. Furthermore, it provides enhanced WPA3 security to businesses which is essential to provide a higher amount of protection to different devices. WiFi 6 also has the potential to deliver high internet speed even in congested networks.
It also increases the battery life of the devices connected to WiFi 6 because it supports a sleep mode that puts the device to sleep when it is not being used. Lastly, it will support more access point capacity required to support mobile devices and IoT.
The Convergence of 5G and WiFi 6
It is critical to use 5G and WiFi 6 to complement each other to run a business smoothly and more efficiently. When WiFi 6 and 5G connections are used together, seamless accessibility is guaranteed. For instance, one can use 5G for outdoor, off-campus and mobile connections. On the other hand, WiFi 6 helps with on-campus, fixed and indoor usage. Therefore, businesses should use 5G and WiFi 6 in a parallel fashion to ensure undisrupted communication and better functioning of devices that include machine connectivity.
When used simultaneously, 5G and WiFi 6 can help monitor real-time traffic and other public services required in smart cities. It can also be helpful for the healthcare sector for patient monitoring, robotic procedures and better remote consultation. Furthermore, it is also expected to help sports events across the globe to give the viewers an immersive spectator experience. Lastly, it can enhance the personalized shopping experience not only on eCommerce platforms but also in retail stores. In other words, by converging 5G and WiFi 6, the business can give the employees and customers a better indoor and outdoor experience.
How Do 5G and WiFi 6 Complement Each Other?
5G provides better coverage, whereas WiFi 6 works exceptionally well indoors. When used together, they can overcome the wireless service gaps. Also, it presents the end users with multiple choices and switching between the two is child’s play. Also, both networks guarantee higher speed and lower latency; therefore, businesses can maintain consistency in their services.
In the coming time, we will see a mix-and-matched usage of 5G and WiFi 6 to meet the diverse requirements of businesses.
