5G and WiFi 6, two complementary technologies

WiFi and mobile data. They are the two most popular technologies for Internet access. Almost 55% of devices that access the network of networks are mobile. The rest, computers and other connectable or intelligent devices. And if we talk about wireless Internet, in recent years, the keywords are WiFi 6 and 5G. Rivals or complementary technologies? They both offer a unprecedented bandwidth and the possibility of connecting more devices without the network suffering. And little by little are entering the domestic market with increasingly affordable prices.

Although some have chosen to present both technologies as rivals, WiFi 6 and 5G are going to have to live with each other. Both offer similar advantages and characteristics, in order to facilitate the introduction of technologies such as internet of things, Deep Learning or Artificial Intelligence applied to any area of ​​society, from the company or from public bodies. For example, smart cities.

You may have heard about the benefits of these two ways to access the Internet without cables. Next, we review their main features and how they can complement each other to enjoy high speed internet both at home and wherever you go.

WiFi 6 and 5G, face to face

Intel gives us some interesting facts about these technologies. This IT giant has interests in both, as it offers products related to both WiFi and 5G. In the first case, heas 5G networks They offer 50 times more speed, 10 times less latency and 1,000 times more traffic capacity than previous 4G/LTE networks. For its part, WiFi 6 It has 4x the capacity, 75% lower latency, and 3x the speed of Wi Fi 5.

TP Link, manufacturer of routers, signal repeaters and other devices to manage wireless and wired networks, gives us some interesting figures. WiFi 6 can reach speeds of 9.6 Gbps thanks to 1024 QAM technology and a channel width of 160 MHz. For its part, WiFi 5 reaches 6.9 Gbps using 256 QAM.

Speed, stability, more capacity on busy networks, faster connection between the router and the device thanks to its higher bandwidth, minimal latency, interference reduction between neighboring networks and, in addition, less energy consumption both on the router and on connected devices. As TP Link itself says, “negotiates when and how often to wake up to send or receive data, increasing device sleep time, then substantially improving battery life”.

And regarding 5G, Movistar gives us some data. To begin with, its objective is to offer a 100% coverage in Spain by 2025. Regarding the advantages of 5G, transfer speed 133% higher than the 4G network. A latency below 10 milliseconds. The possibility of connecting a multitude of devices to the network without saturating it. As for the transfer speed, Movistar mentions 20 Gbps in 5G compared to 1 Gbps in 4G. latency of between 1 and 2 milliseconds in 5G compared to 25 and 52 milliseconds in 4G. More than a million connected devices per kilometer via 5G, compared to 10,000 with 4G.

Unity is strength: WiFi 6 + 5G

Intel says that WiFi 6 and 5G offer complementary functions. They are two wireless technologies, the most advanced in their sector, with similarities. But we can combine them in our day to day. Both offer gigabit per second speeds and low latency. How to unite both technologies?

WiFi is an easy technology to implement, maintain and scale. Easy and cheap. Hence, its main implementation is at home and in business environments. Buildings and facilities that require wireless coverage from doors to inside. In an average home, this translates to dealing with televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, smart devices and appliances, etc.

For its part, 5G may be the technology from doors out. Outdoor facilities such as sports stadiums, facilities such as ports or train stations, connected vehicles, and connected or smart cities.

However, both technologies can implement and complement in professional fields such as industry 4.0 and its automation. Another example where both technologies can work well together is that of connected vehicles. 5G can be used to access the network and WiFi 6 to manage that network inside the car.

The best of both with Movistar

As an Internet service provider, Movistar offers both technologies. On the one hand, its commitment to 5G translates into the deployment of its own 5G network. In addition, it has FTTH fiber optic coverage that allows you to connect your home or any home via WiFi. Both in its WiFi 5 version and in the most recent WiFi 6.

All Movistar customers who contract a mobile line have 5G network access Without aditional costs. You just need to have a 5G compatible smartphone, which is becoming more and more common on the market. You can even buy it through Movistar.

About WiFi 6, you can currently have this wireless technology through the Smart WiFi 6 Amplifier. You can install it yourself, it connects directly to the Movistar Router via Ethernet and will allow you to have your own Wi Fi 6 network at your home.

Thus, you can combine WiFi 6 inside your home and 5G when you go outside. In addition, you will have the advantage that devices prior to these technologies can be connect to the same networkas they are backwards compatible. Without obtaining the same speed and advantages, yes. And, little by little, as you update your devices, you will incorporate WiFi 6 and 5G into your home or outside of it, obtaining Internet access in the best conditions possible.