Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are two different technologies used for different purposes. Sometimes you may rely more on one than the other. However, if you rely on both, you’re probably wondering which one is better. Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G?
In this article, you’ll learn about the speed comparison between Wi-Fi 6E and 5G. However, you’ll also learn about the differences, such as the costs, as well as the similarities. If you ever have to choose between the two, you’ll know exactly which solution is better for you, so read on!
Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Feature | Wi-Fi 6E | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | WLAN | Cellular mobile technology |
| Peak Speed | 9.6Gbps | Over 1Gbps |
| Security | WPA3 security | WPA 3, end-to-end mutual device authentication |
| Use | Indoor, covers smaller areas | Outdoor |
| Cost | Less expensive to install and maintain | Very expensive to deploy |
- Provides up to 5400Mbps Wi-Fi
- New 6 GHz band offers more bandwidth, more speed, and low latency
- 1.7GHz quad-core CPU and 512MB memory
- Supports VPN server and client
- Compatible with all internet service providers
Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is the type of technology Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are based on. Of course the top speed is what many are interested in! Technology and speed are not the only differences, however, so if you want to discover the five differences between Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G, then read on.
Type of Technology
As mentioned earlier, the biggest difference is the technology on which Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are based. Wi-Fi is based on WLAN technology and Wi-Fi is actually a brand name that differs in terms of licensing, authentication, and types of use. 5G, on the other hand, is a mobile technology that is more straightforward.
For example, to access and use Wi-Fi 6E, you need a network provider to provide you with a router for your home, organization, or business. So the access point is through the router. 5G works differently and uses radio towers that allow users to connect to devices that have built-in cellular technology, such as smartphones or even tablets.
By using cellular towers, 5G can provide a much greater range, while Wi-Fi and its routers (access points) to the internet are much more limited in terms of range. Wi-Fi, for example, uses wireless connectivity only in a limited area to create a local network of devices that can connect to and use the Internet via Wi-Fi.
Peak Speeds
Wi-Fi 6E has a new number of streams, 12 over 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels, as well as the new 6GHz band, which adds 14 more 80 MHz channels and 7 more 160 MHz channels. This is much more compared to Wi-Fi 5, which had only 8 channels. Therefore, Wi-Fi 6E allows users to surf the internet, plus download and upload at much higher speeds. Wi-Fi 6E can reach 9.6Gbps.
On the other hand, 5G can reach speeds of over 1Gbps, which is still very high, but Wi-Fi 6E allows you to connect to and use the Internet at speeds 10 times faster. Even if you rely on Wi-Fi 5, we recommend you consider upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 5 has a peak speed of 3.5Gbps, while Wi-Fi 6E has a peak speed of 9.6Gbps.
In most situations, you won’t even notice the difference between Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G peak speeds. However, the biggest difference is noticeable when you download very large files since Wi-Fi 6E can drastically reduce the download time.
Security and Frequency
Wi-Fi 6E and 5G have similar security levels, and while 5G maintains security with 256-bit keys, Wi-Fi 6E does the same with additional 192-bit keys, the use of which is optional. However, when it comes to security protocols, Wi-Fi 6E now supports Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA 3). This is a more comprehensive technology that comes with stronger authentication features. In addition, better tools for encryption are integrated into the system.
5G is, however, a big step up from 4G because it is designed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of devices that connect to cell towers. This, of course, includes users and user data.
In terms of available frequencies, Wi-Fi relies only on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the new 6Ghz band. While 6GHz allows for higher speeds, it has a much shorter range and can reduce signal strength more easily. On the other hand, 2.4GHz has much slower speeds but is much stronger as the signal can penetrate through walls and floors much easier, making it much more accessible.
5G operates at different frequencies, which are divided into several categories. 5G can operate at frequencies below 1GHz, frequencies between 1 and 6GHz, and even frequencies above 6GHz, with some of the most common frequencies being between 29GHz and 43GHz. Even though 5G uses a different technology, the ability to use higher frequencies makes 5G much more accessible.
Use Cases
Wi-Fi 6E and 5G differ in how they’re used and in their ability to provide internet connectivity to users. Wi-Fi 6E is only suitable for indoor use because it has a very short range compared to 5G. On the other hand, 5G has a much greater range because it relies on cell towers and cell phones, as well as devices with cellular technology that can connect to the towers.
However, Wi-Fi 6E and 5G have one thing in common, even though their use cases are different: high speed, low latency, and ease of use. In addition, both can support more devices at the same time. Although certain devices may not be able to connect to 5G because they don’t have built-in wireless technology, such as a smart TV. On the other hand, TV can be connected with Wi-Fi, as most modern TVs have Wi-Fi integration.
It’s also mentioned that Wi-Fi 6E will be introduced in the automotive industry, so some cars produced from 2025 and later will have Wi-Fi 6E integration to enable better performance, versatile connectivity, and high speeds while users are on the go.
Cost
Wi-Fi 6E is a fairly new and relevant technology, but it replaces Wi-Fi 5, so the structure is there for a change. It’s a costly change, but definitely an improvement. However, an internet connection with Wi-Fi is standard nowadays and is offered by almost all broadband providers.
On the other hand, 5G relies on cellular technology and transmission towers, so it’s much more expensive to deploy than the cost of Wi-Fi 6E. The technology involved and the ability for users to connect to 5G towers remotely require much more work and money. However, once 5G is properly deployed, it doesn’t require IT to manage the network. Wi-Fi 6E requires IT to manage it, as they’re the ones who provision and set up Wi-Fi networks for users on demand.
From the user’s point of view, broadband internet and Wi-Fi used to be cheaper alternatives because you could get an unlimited flat package. Nowadays, there are unlimited packages even for mobile internet, and the prices are very similar. It’s worth checking out different internet providers and comparing prices before choosing one. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that both Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are ideal but are used differently, so you should choose the option that better suits your needs.
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Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Wi-Fi 6E and 5G rely on and operate using different technology
- Wi-Fi 6E offers much faster speed than 5G but comes with a limited range
- Both Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are very secure and can protect users and their data
- 5G is ideal for outdoor use and on the go while Wi-Fi 6E is used for residential indoor use
- 5G is a lot more expensive to deploy than Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G: Which One Wins?
Although both WiFi 6E and 5G provide internet to users, they’re two different technologies, making it difficult to compare them and determine the winner. The biggest strength of 5G is its ability to provide users with much greater coverage than Wi-Fi 6E. On the other hand, Wi-Fi 6E offers incredible speeds that are much higher than those of 5G.
So, since the two work differently, it’s up to you as a user to figure out which type of internet connection you need and prefer. Now you know the pros and cons of the two, you need to decide which connection best suits your lifestyle and needs.
- TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router
- Provides up to 5400Mbps Wi-Fi
- New 6 GHz band offers more bandwidth, more speed, and low latency
- 1.7GHz quad-core CPU and 512MB memory
- Supports VPN server and client
- Compatible with all internet service providers
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