5 Things to Know About Wi-Fi 6 and 5G

WiFi 6 & 5G are emerging technologies that revolutionize the way we use the internet. Such advancements are a clear indication that we’re moving ahead despite the several roadblocks and setbacks of data breaches worth billions of dollars.

Wi-Fi 6 and 5G is all that’s in the talks these days. The next-gen next technology promises to enhance our network capabilities and the way we interact online. Businesses and users will likely see increased speeds, lower latency, and improved device density.

Both Wi-Fi 6 and fifth generation of cellular wireless, also known as 5G, are the cutting-edge buzz in network technology. Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are engineered to multiple current internet speeds and bandwidth of wireless networks. Here are five things to know about Wi-Fi 6 and 5G:

1. 5G and Wi-Fi 6 are built on the same foundation

While it may seem like both of these network technologies are different from the other, in reality, both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are engineered together, keeping the same groundwork in motion.

In essence, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G co-exist to support different use cases. When these technologies are deployed, they will intensely improve the performance of cellular devices and businesses.

As Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are complementary technologies, they are geared to provide higher data bandwidth and better coverage in densely populated areas. They will also help support developments in new applications and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously.

2. Wi-Fi 6 will be preferred indoors while 5G outdoors

Since there will be significant improvements in speed and coverage, Wi-Fi 6 will be highly preferred within homes and enterprises. That’s primarily because Wi-Fi 6 will boast high speeds, provide low latency, and the ability to connect a mass number of devices, giving employees at work and family members at home a refined internet experience.

That’s not only the charming part as Wi-Fi 6 is thought to have an inexpensive cost to deploy, maintain, and scale. This means Wi-Fi 6 can be easily set up in offices and enterprises. On the other hand, 5G will be highly preferred outdoors as it’s primarily a cellular internet network.

5G will prove to be an ideal system for outdoor wireless connectivity—especially in densely populated areas and access points which serve a large number of users, such as stadiums, concerts on the beach, and open areas.

With blazing-fast internet speeds and enhanced data bandwidth, both 5G and Wi-Fi 6 can dramatically advance outdoor connectivity. However, 5G will still prove to dominate the outdoor market. Come to think of it; if you’re traveling in a car at 100 miles an hour on a highway, it goes without saying that 5G will be the preferred method for outdoor networks.

3. Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are fit for several enterprises

As you would know by now, both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G are going to be a break-through network technology we direly need in today’s interconnected digital world. They both offer attractive prospects and the ability to connect more devices reliably via the wireless network. This comes in handy when you’re working on mission-critical tasks that require high bandwidth and inputs from multiple people.

Internet of Things is the future, and these devices are being used in manufacturing automation, healthcare, energy, and many other industries. Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will also provide enterprises with higher mobile broadband for a better interactive experience via augmented and virtual reality.

The sheer scale of Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will be heard industrywide, and several industries will reap its benefits. From home to offices, you’ll get an enhanced mobile experience. As far as industries are concerned, hospitality, retail, and education will be able to drive immersive experiences for their day to day operations and in the field of research and development.

4. Timeline for Wi-Fi 6 and 5G

When compared between both network technologies, it appears that Wi-Fi 6 will be on a much faster roll out when compared to 5G, with handset vendors such as Samsung announcing Wi-Fi 6-capable smartphones in 2019.

• By mid-2019, several vendors will have Wi-Fi 6 access points available to them.
• From 2019 to 2022, users and enterprises will transition to the new standard with more clients and access points coming on the market.
• 5G networks and services will be deployed in stages over the next several years.
• Starting in mid-2019 and continuing into 2020, service providers will begin offering 5G service to select cities.
• Around 2021, 5G service will become standard in many big cities in the U.S., EMEAR, Japan, and China, with big rollouts lasting through 2023.

5. Possible issues faced with Wi-Fi 6 and 5G

The architectural design of 5G heavily requires several radio access points. If carrier services do not layout adequate radio access points, the 5G service may suffer from poor or no internet connectivity indoors.

To move into the phase of transitioning from 4G to 5G, typical organizations will have to assess their current 4G and possible 5G service for their PCs, routers, and other devices. Since organizations need better coverage at all times, by installing indoor microcells, repeaters, and distributed antennas, network issues of indoor 5G services can be easily resolved.

All in all, we’ll have to wait and see for ourselves how these network technologies unfold and transition into your daily, digitally infested lives. But, the truth is hopes are high in regards to the upcoming network technology. As always, use a Wi-Fi VPN to stay secure on Public and Private Wi-Fi networks.