what are the differences What is better?
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Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are two different technologies used for different purposes. Sometimes you can rely on one more than the other. However, if you rely on both, you’re probably wondering which is better. Wi-Fi 6E vs 5G?
In this article, you will learn the speed comparison between Wi-Fi 6E and 5G. However, you will also find the differences, such as costs, as well as the similarities. If you ever have to choose between the two, you’ll know exactly which solution is best for you, so read on!
Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G: a side-by-side comparison
| A feature | Wi-Fi 6E | 5G |
|---|---|---|
| technology | Wireless | Cellular mobile technology |
| Maximum speed | 9.6 Gbps | More than 1 Gbit/s |
| Security | WPA3 security | WPA 3, end-to-end mutual device authentication |
| To use | Interior, covers smaller surfaces | Outside |
| price | Cheaper to install and maintain | Very expensive to implement |
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Wi-Fi 6E vs 5G: what’s the difference?
The biggest difference is the type of technology that Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are based on. Of course, top speed is what many are interested in! Technology and speed aren’t the only differences, though, so if you want to know the five differences between Wi-Fi 6E and 5G, read on.
A type of technology
As mentioned earlier, the biggest difference is the technology that Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are based on. Wi-Fi is based on WLAN technology and Wi-Fi is actually a brand that differs in terms of license, authentication and types of use. 5G, on the other hand, is a simpler mobile technology.
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 goes through the router. 5G works differently and uses radio towers that allow users to connect to devices with built-in cellular technology, such as smartphones or even tablets.
By using cell towers, 5G can provide much greater range, while Wi-Fi and its routers (access points) to the Internet are much more limited in range. Wi-Fi, for example, uses a wireless connection only in a limited area to create a local area network of devices that can connect and use the Internet via Wi-Fi.
Maximum speeds
Wi-Fi 6E has a new number of streams, 12 on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels, as well as the new 6 GHz band, which adds 14 additional 80 MHz channels and 7 additional 160 MHz channels. This is much more compared to Wi-Fi 5, which only had 8 channels. Because of this, Wi-Fi 6E allows users to surf the web as well as upload and download at much higher speeds. Wi-Fi 6E can reach 9.6 Gbps.
On the other hand, 5G can reach speeds above 1 Gbit/s, which is still very high, but Wi-Fi 6E allows you to connect and use the Internet at speeds 10 times higher. Even if you are using Wi-Fi 5, we recommend that you consider upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 5 has a peak speed of 3.5 Gbps, while Wi-Fi 6E has a peak speed of 9.6 Gbps.
In most situations, you won’t even notice the difference between the peak speeds of Wi-Fi 6E and 5G. However, the biggest difference is noticeable when downloading very large files, as Wi-Fi 6E can significantly reduce download times.
Security and frequency
Wi-Fi 6E and 5G have similar levels of security, and while 5G supports 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). It is a more comprehensive technology that comes with strong authentication features. Also, better encryption tools are built into the system.
However, 5G is a big step up from 4G as it is designed to protect the privacy and integrity of devices that connect to cell towers. This of course includes users and user data.
In terms of available frequencies, Wi-Fi only relies on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and the new 6 Ghz band. While 6 GHz allows for higher speeds, it has a much shorter range and can more easily degrade signal strength. On the other hand, 2.4 GHz has much lower speeds but is much stronger because the signal can penetrate walls and floors much more easily, making it much more accessible.
5G operates on different frequencies, which are divided into several categories. 5G can operate at frequencies below 1 GHz, at frequencies between 1 and 6 GHz, and even at frequencies above 6 GHz, with some of the most common frequencies being between 29 GHz and 43 GHz. Although 5G uses a different technology, the ability to use higher frequencies makes 5G much more affordable.
Use case
6E and 5G Wi-Fi differ in their usage and their ability to provide Internet connectivity to users. Wi-Fi 6E is only suitable for indoor use as 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 cellular-enabled devices 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. Also, both can support multiple devices simultaneously. Although some 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, the TV can be connected to Wi-Fi, as most modern TVs have Wi-Fi integration.
It is also mentioned that Wi-Fi 6E will be introduced in the automotive industry, so some cars manufactured from 2025 will have Wi-Fi 6E integration to enable better performance, flexible connectivity and high speeds , when users are on the go.
price
Wi-Fi 6E is a relatively new and relevant technology, but it replaces Wi-Fi 5, so the structure needs to change. It’s an expensive change, but a definite improvement. However, Wi-Fi internet connection is now the norm and is offered by almost all broadband providers.
On the other hand, 5G relies on cellular technology and transmission towers, so it is much more expensive to deploy than the cost of Wi-Fi 6E. The technology involved and the ability for users to remotely connect to 5G towers requires a lot more work and money. However, once 5G is properly deployed, it does not need IT to manage the network. Wi-Fi 6E requires IT to manage it, as they are the ones who provision and configure Wi-Fi networks for users on demand.
From a user’s perspective, high-speed internet and Wi-Fi are cheaper alternatives because you can get an unlimited plan. Nowadays, there are unlimited plans even for mobile internet, and the prices are very similar. It’s worth checking out different ISPs and comparing prices before choosing one. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that Wi-Fi 6E and 5G are ideal, but are used differently, so you should choose the option that best suits your needs.
Wi-Fi 6E vs 5G: 5 key facts
- Wi-Fi 6E and 5G rely on and operate using different technologies
- Wi-Fi 6E offers much faster speed than 5G, but comes with limited range
- 6E and 5G Wi-Fi are very secure and can protect users and their data
- 5G is ideal for outdoor and on-the-go use, while Wi-Fi 6E is used for indoor residential use
- 5G is much more expensive to deploy than Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6E vs. 5G: Which Wins?
Although WiFi 6E and 5G bring the Internet to users, they are two different technologies, making it difficult to compare them and determine the winner. 5G’s greatest strength is its ability to provide users with much greater coverage than Wi-Fi 6E. On the other hand, Wi-Fi 6E offers incredible speeds, much faster than 5G.
So, since the two work differently, it’s up to you as a user to determine what kind of internet connection you need and prefer. Now that you know the pros and cons of both, you need to decide which relationship best suits your lifestyle and needs.
Wi-Fi 6E vs 5g: what are the differences? What is better? FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does Wi-Fi 6E make a difference?
Yes, Wi-Fi 6E has the fastest upload and download speeds, especially on Wi-Fi 5.
Is Wi-Fi 6E the latest Wi-Fi technology?
Yes, at the time of writing, Wi-Fi 6E is the latest Wi-Fi technology. However, Wi-Fi 7 has also been announced and is in development, which will be able to reach even higher speeds and offer more benefits.
How much faster is Wi-Fi 6E than 5G?
Wi-Fi 6E can reach a peak speed of 9.6 Gbps compared to 5G’s peak speed which is slightly higher at 1 Gbps. Therefore, Wi-Fi 6E is almost 10 times faster than 5G.
What is 5G’s biggest downside?
The biggest downside to 5G is slow download speeds, so it may not yet be ideal for streaming content over the cellular network.
Which is safer? Wi-Fi 6E vs 5G?
Both 6E and 5G Wi-Fi are very well secured, and we’re seeing security improvements in both, so security shouldn’t be an issue.
