Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) brings a number of features that elevate the performance of Wi-Fi significantly from that of older generations. These features solve many of the challenges that limit the performance of current Wi-Fi networks, and raise the performance to a level close to that of cellular networks based on 4G and 5G technologies. Since 5G private networks aim to provide superior performance over current Wi-Fi deployments, one has to question how sustainable this advantage is. The 5G media hype often makes one forget that other access technologies even exist. As a result, there’s a black hole in the knowledge of investors in access network technologies, and especially Wi-Fi vs. 5G.
Wi-Fi vs. 5G
Our recent engagements deploying 5G enterprise private wireless networks made us experience and compile the real challenges and costs. 5G enterprise private networks are not yet popular. But the deployment process is starting. I say this while fully realizing 4G/LTE private networks have been around for a decade; preceded in their turn by WiMAX [see here, here, and here]. Today, China leads in the deployments of 5G private networks where government targets and subsidies drive MNOs engagements with enterprises [see here and here]. From these and other deployments, we learned of the real costs and challenges of integrating 4G/5G networks into enterprise IT infrastructure.
I share a deck comparing Wi-Fi with cellular technologies to give an idea of the key factors that impact performance (throughput under load, latency, etc.). These focus on the physical and medium access control layers. However, I omitted aspects related to the network layer and cybersecurity, which are extremely important aspects when deploying these networks. If interested in such aspects, feel free to contact me.
Wi-Fi vs. 5G: A Comparative Analysis. Summer 2022 (v2).
Concluding Thoughts
There are many nuances one needs to be aware off. Not all vendors will support all the features that improve the performance of Wi-Fi 6. Some of the features are complex, and only the most innovative and capable of vendors would be able to deliver them. Wi-Fi has a rich roadmap with 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) in the standards process. This raises the question on which features vendors will actually implement. It also raises the question of how MNOs will factor 5G vs. Wi-Fi evolution into their plans. Theory does not perfectly match practice, and consequently, beware of making the wrong conclusions!
We provide a workshop on enterprise private wireless networks to help organizations considering these networks to quickly ramp-up their understanding and knowledge, and to initiate their deployment strategy with sound decision making. For additional information see the brochure for the Enterprise Wireless Networks, and the eXPONENT series of workshops on the Xona Partners web site.