What is the difference between Wi-Fi and 5G?
There is an unlicensed spectrum that Wi-Fi relies on and is free for anyone to use, but the signal is not great. To have great internet to our door, we pay an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and then we use a router to have Wi-Fi throughout our house. It would be a problem to use the same frequency band as the guys next door especially that they are where you live is densely populated. Wi-Fi uses two frequencies, 5Ghz, and 2.4Ghz. Do not mistake the 5Ghz Wi-fi for the 5G mobile network.
To cut matters short, 5G it an abbreviation for the fifth generation of mobile network technology and a lot of different elements are encompassed by it. Mobile or cellular network rely on licensed spectrum bands and the highest bidder auctions them off. In order to use those band, carriers like AT&T or Verizon pay. They also need to build a network of connected base stations in order to roll out coverage, and we need to pay for subscriptions because they need to recoup their investment.
Why do you need both?
Before we can enjoy superior performance and faster speeds from Wi-Fi and 5G, there are two crucial pieces of the puzzle that need to be in place. Our ISPs and carriers have to build networks with hardware could enough to handle the speeds and these new technologies. Of course, we also need to own hardware capable of benefiting from this. Our current laptops, smartphones, and other devices are not equipped with the chips and antennas necessary, but soon enough more devices that support Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will roll out.
What do you think about the necessity to replace our devices just to get better internet speed?
Frances might be just at the beginning of her career, but after attending a technical school, she has a fresh perspective on today’s technology. She contributes to the site with tech news.
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