5G vs. WiFi 6: Tips for choosing the best wireless network option

There has been much to prove about 5G’s theoretical advantages in network management, performance, security and propagation capabilities, but deciding on any technology in the abstract without specific context is a risky proposition.

The specific needs of a business application should always dictate the best technology environment needed to support it, and anything else is arguably putting the cart before the horse. This makes it difficult to understand the message that 5G is what enterprises need to "accelerate their business," when in reality it is common for many enterprise customers to use WiFi and cellular data services interchangeably, especially given the growing popularity of SD-WAN technology, which promises to transcend traditional network challenges and simplify access to the cloud.

From a mixed enterprise/consumer perspective, it is estimated that there are over 18 billion WiFi-enabled devices in use worldwide, closely followed by nearly 12 billion cellular connections. This is a remarkable number considering that there are over 8 billion people in the world, about a third of whom are likely too young or live in areas where digital technology is scarce.

Fortunately, both WiFi 6 and 5G cellular networks have undergone substantial and sustained improvements over the past 20 years or so, but while both technologies use radios to transmit data, the infrastructure and detailed management required to support a global 5G network is far more complex and expensive than WiFi, the low-cost, powerful wireless network that is already in use in many homes and businesses.

WiFi6 or 5G? It depends on business needs

In some ways, it’s easy to see the line between WiFi and 5G. The traditional use case for WiFi is supporting client systems where direct connectivity is too costly or impractical based on their location or nominal bandwidth requirements. WiFi has become ubiquitous, and the configuration and management process for building WiFi networks is close to plug-and-play. Modern WiFi access points (APs) for consumers and enterprises offer simplified and intuitive web-based utilities that guide users through setting up authentication, security, and access policies, resulting in a secure and fully functional WiFi network up and running in minutes.

For mobile and outdoor applications, cellular networks have surpassed telecommunications, from 4G LTE to now 5G, providing greater range and reliable connectivity for many data-rich mobile applications. Both public and private cellular networks have found their place in some of the largest industries, such as light and heavy manufacturing, utilities, oil and gas production, and transportation, where WiFi cannot meet the mobility, performance, and signal reliability required for specific mission-critical applications.

As with any other IT project, our technical staff needs to fully define the business requirements and then make technical recommendations that can reliably meet or exceed those requirements. 5G and WiFi6 can and should coexist, just like any other hybrid IT environment.

Top factors to consider before choosing 5G and/or WiFi6

Of course, there are a wide range of technical considerations that come into play when assigning business applications to 5G and/or WiFi 6. For example:

Physical location and system mobility: Because both WiFi and 5G rely on radio technology, they have similar limitations in acquiring and maintaining a signal. Although 5G combines higher power output and frequency options that are better suited to penetrating buildings, landscapes, and vegetation, the coverage of both technologies can vary significantly depending on the surrounding environment.

On average, a small cell access point occupies about 10,000 square feet, while a similar WiFi 6 AP occupies about 2,500 square feet. In addition, cellular services are designed to provide superior "handoff" capabilities to maintain uninterrupted connections with mobile clients. Dropped calls are annoying, but when it comes to applications such as remote control systems, reliable connections can be mission-critical.

Network speed and latency: The volume, density, and dependency of business data has exploded over the past two decades and shows no signs of abating. What is most likely to influence wireless network selection is the critical response window between the client system and any system it connects to operate at the edge, in the cloud, or even in the data center core.

Unfortunately, the actual capabilities of any wireless network can only be assessed in the field by considering the current state of the radio, the network, the environment, the number of concurrent connections, and competing devices, all of which are subject to change at any time.

Security and Authentication: Cybersecurity will continue to be a serious concern regardless of the type of connection involved. Unfortunately, much of the risk lies in the human aspect of security. WiFi 6 and 5G both offer security options, but they are not always consistent across carriers and IT customers. Device-based authentication, multi-factor, and biometric authentication can go a long way in eliminating some of the most common methods of intrusion, as long as they are consistent across 5G providers and wireless customers.

It will undoubtedly continue to improve as 6G rolls out into the end of the decade. The same will be true for WiFi6 and the upcoming WiFi7 standards, but it is almost certain that data and application demands will continue to grow along the same lines.

5G and WiFi6 businesses would do well to find ways to work together, but this ideal is complicated by vendors and standards organizations being more focused on advancing their own agendas than meeting customer needs. As a customer, avoid the hype, take the time to truly understand the business needs, and use the combination that makes the most sense.