Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G: Defining differences and the need for both

Defining Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G

Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 is the newest generation of WLAN technology and is also known as 802.11ax. Despite the Wi-Fi Alliance's new naming system, the move to Wi-Fi 6 is similar to the growth of its predecessors; Wi-Fi 6 builds upon former generations' capabilities but aims to enhance capacity and performance. Wi-Fi 6 also introduces new features, such as orthogonal frequency-division multiple access for multiuser support.

5G. Fifth-generation wireless is the newest generation of cellular technology, with goals to dramatically increase network speeds and reliability. With 5G, users can gain real-time communication capabilities, and 5G could enable development of various new applications and features to support both users and businesses.

Shared goals of Wi-Fi 6 and 5G include increased bandwidth and network speeds, as well as low latency. Both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G aim to improve upon their respective former generations and enhance UX. Yet, with all their similarities, the two technologies have key differences that make them complementary to each other and offer alternate connectivity options for organizations.

The key differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G include the following:

• technology type
• licensing
• authentication
• network security
• use cases

Comparing the differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G

Technology type. Many of the differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G stem from the difference between their technology types, which is the most notable distinction between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. While 5G is a cellular technology, Wi-Fi 6 is Wi-Fi, a version of WLAN technology. The technology types differ with licensing, authentication and use cases.

The technology types also differ in terms of connectivity. For Wi-Fi, organizations use routers and access points from service providers for internet connectivity. For cellular, cell towers and small cells provide connectivity to connected devices.

Licensing. Cellular technology is carrier-based, which is also true for 5G technology. This means operators exclusively operate cellular networks on licensed spectrum bands, which are meant to prevent interference between connected devices. On the other hand, Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands that don't require permission to use.

However, 5G will break away from the cellular pack in this regard and operate in both licensed and unlicensed bands. This could create interference between 5G and Wi-Fi 6 signals near one another and will require extra planning in deployments to avoid interference.

Authentication. While Wi-Fi technology's unlicensed bands don't require permission to use, access to the Wi-Fi network itself does. To access a Wi-Fi network, users typically require a service set identifier -- or network name -- and password. In addition, Wi-Fi 6 introduces a new authentication type called Simultaneous Authentication of Equals for added protection against bad actors.

As for cellular access, this is simple and easy for connected devices to gain, because cellular networks don't have the same authentication requirements as Wi-Fi networks. However, 5G also uses several authentication types, which include 5G authentication and key agreement, Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)-AKA and EAP-Transport Layer Security to bolster 5G network security.

Network security. Security has been a major 5G concern for experts, due to potentially high costs to ensure 5G network security, as well as increased vulnerability concerns. However, 5G will introduce several security concepts, including security anchor functions, subscription permanent identifiers and subscription concealed identifiers. These functions can enable seamless and secure device reauthentication as a connected device travels between networks, which former cellular generations couldn't guarantee.

Wi-Fi network security is historically easier to guarantee for devices than cellular networks, but Wi-Fi 6 aims to increase this still. Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) will support Wi-Fi 6 security, which, like 5G's security concepts, aims to bolster authentication security and encryption. Like 5G and Wi-Fi 6, WPA3 aims to improve upon the shortcoming of its predecessor, WPA2.

Use cases. Where and how organizations deploy cellular and Wi-Fi technology are other key differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G. Traditionally, Wi-Fi is better suited to indoor wireless coverage, and Wi-Fi 6 will maintain this. Other Wi-Fi 6 use cases include increased support for IoT-connected devices and high-density wireless service for locations such as stadiums and sports venues.

As for cellular, 5G is better suited to outdoor use cases, such as autonomous vehicle support. In addition, 5G also aims to support mobile backhaul and fixed wireless access use cases. For organizations that turned toward 4G and LTE for backhaul use cases, 5G aims to improve that connectivity, as well as bring cellular into the fixed wireless space.

Wi-Fi 6, 5G as complements rather than competitors

Despite the differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G, many experts tout potential benefits from a partnership between the two technologies. Businesses should focus more on how Wi-Fi 6 and 5G cooperate rather than which technology is better, according to Craig Mathias, a principal with Farpoint Group. More importantly, users likely won't care which technology they use as long as their connection is good.

Interoperability between Wi-Fi and 5G networks could provide seamless connectivity for users as they move between networks. Connected devices such as business handsets may be able to support both technologies, Mathias predicted, although this level of cooperation is years away from reality.

Together, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G can enable the success of network innovations, such as IoT growth and edge computing capabilities. Together, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G can also better support remote workforces and bolster overall network connectivity with speed, reliability and flexibility.