Background
The introduction of Wi-Fi 6E represents a significant improvement over previous Wi-Fi generations and together with high-speed 5G networks will be able to meet all related data transmission needs. Both promising to deliver higher performance, lower latency and faster data rates, making them even more suitable to power video streaming, virtual reality, cloud computing, and IoT next-gen devices.
However, some view Wi-Fi 6E’s performance characteristics to level the playing field, even as an alternative solution to replace 5G network in transmitting data wirelessly. As 5G is deployed and popularized globally, Wi-Fi continued to evolve alongside 5G, intertwining and complementing each other in the networking industry.
A Fast Lane for Service Providers
Wi-Fi 6E is designed to operate in the 6 GHz spectrum band, which provides more spectrum with larger channel bandwidths and reduced congestion, much like a new fast lane on an old highway or a narrow private road onto the open highway. It’s not only higher speed, but also supporting lower latencies. Wi-Fi 6E leverages similar technologies, such as OFDMA, MU-MIMO, which allows for more efficient use of the radio spectrum and enable both standards to achieve multi-gigabit data throughputs.
This overall opens new opportunities for operators and service providers to develop and launch high-capacity and higher bandwidth services optimized for IoT, video telepresence, 8K video streaming, and virtual reality services, and even new application cases in industries like manufacturing, mining, and transportation. Having said that, they first must invest in more expensive tri-band Wi-Fi access hotspots, extenders, and gateways.
5G and Wi-Fi 6E work better together
The two technologies are not only complementary, but might even converge, as each will depend on the precise use case and application. Currently, 5G devices are subscribed to cellular networks and use metered data to connect, while Wi-Fi connects multiple devices to an internal network, relying on a single point of connection.
To equip a massive outdoor stretch of land, such as farmland or parks, with Wi-Fi will make more sense than scattering multiple 5G cellular sensors. Alternatively, a smaller automated manufacturing facility or small business office may require more network security or time sensitivity, whereas a private 5G network can handle better than Wi-Fi.
5G and Wi-Fi 6E are both a very flexible and robust technology using an increasing number of spectrum bands, offering superfast data transfers with lower latency and better security, enabling organizations to increase productivity and provide better user experience.
Lanner Technologies for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E
Lanner is one of the very few vendors offering solutions in both domains, which allows the company to serve our customers with a unique value proposition. Lanner Telco Cloud / NGCO in a box solution supports MEC and Open RAN for 5G and Wi-Fi networks, and can manage mobile phones as well as devices for Internet of Things services. Lanner will in-house develop a turnkey Wi-Fi 6E access point to the market soon.