Similarities between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G
Core Technologies: Both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G utilize OFDMA (this technology started with LTE; Wi-Fi 6 adds subcarriers, allowing user data to be transmitted in parallel on subcarriers) and MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Receiver Multiple-Transmit) technology, providing a 4x increase in bandwidth and access capacity for a single access point.
Differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G
1. Application Scenarios: Wi-Fi 6 is a short-range wireless technology, more suitable for indoor coverage. Due to spectrum resource and power limitations, Wi-Fi is not suitable for long-distance outdoor coverage, as the signal is easily interfered with. 5G networks, using licensed spectrum resources and nationally planned and managed, experience less signal interference when deployed outdoors. However, indoor 5G coverage, due to its high-frequency signal (24GHz-52GHz), is prone to attenuation, requiring complex network planning and engineering. Wi-Fi's advantages of easy deployment and maintenance are obvious. Therefore, 5G is mainly used for public voice communication, public network access, and smart city public IoT infrastructure; Wi-Fi is mainly used for enterprise self-built campus networks and indoor high-density access.
2. Different Spectrum Acquisition: Wi-Fi's 2.4GHz/5GHz spectrum is unlicensed, requiring no application or registration. Enterprises can enjoy the 10G wireless network provided by Wi-Fi 6 for free after purchasing Wi-Fi equipment. In contrast, 5G frequency bands in various countries require application to relevant agencies before use. Spectrum application takes time and is not suitable for all sizes of enterprises. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are smaller and do not have fixed campuses, applying for 5G frequency bands from the government and deploying 5G base stations is impractical.
3. Different Costs: Wi-Fi network deployment is simple, and as Wi-Fi APs become more intelligent (for example, Huawei uses smart antennas and SmartRadio RF optimization technology), the planning and maintenance of Wi-Fi networks can be completed without specialized engineers. The planning and deployment of 5G networks, due to their susceptibility to signal attenuation, require rigorous network planning and simulation verification. This necessitates specialized wireless network planning engineers, resulting in high costs for purchase, deployment, and maintenance.
4. The adoption rates of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 terminals differ: Wi-Fi 6 terminals are more readily adopted at a lower cost. Upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6 terminals simply involves upgrading the chip, without requiring adjustments to the design architecture. Portable terminals can even quickly support Wi-Fi 6 via PCI-E cards, leading to faster industry development. In contrast, evolving from non-5G to 5G terminals requires redesigning the product, increasing system complexity and cost. We anticipate that terminals in non-essential scenarios will prioritize Wi-Fi 6 support (e.g., printers, electronic whiteboards, intelligent building control systems, projection TVs, telepresence systems, etc. in office networks). Intel also released a Wi-Fi 6 network adapter in April 2019, allowing existing terminals to support Wi-Fi 6 directly via PCI-E.
The Synergy Between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G
Due to the high cost and weak terminal compatibility of 5G in indoor coverage, Wi-Fi 6 has overcome the challenges of high bandwidth, high capacity, and low latency in indoor coverage. It can support critical applications with high bandwidth and low latency, such as VR/4K/AGV. Therefore, for enterprises, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G networks can work together in most scenarios to achieve optimal cost-effectiveness for the entire access system. For some special enterprise scenarios, such as oil fields, mines, and autonomous driving engineering vehicles, 5G has unique advantages due to its low latency and wide coverage.