{"id":12062,"date":"2022-07-08T09:55:45","date_gmt":"2022-07-08T07:55:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.galgus.net\/blog\/hybrid-wifi-5g-networks-and-their-value-for-current-and-future-connectivity\/"},"modified":"2022-07-08T09:55:46","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T07:55:46","slug":"hybrid-wifi-5g-networks-and-their-value-for-current-and-future-connectivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.galgus.ai\/en\/blog\/hybrid-wifi-5g-networks-and-their-value-for-current-and-future-connectivity\/","title":{"rendered":"Hybrid WiFi-5G networks and their value for current and future connectivity\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The arrival of 5G and its present and future boom should not be perceived as a threat to the WiFi ecosystem. Quite the other hand, as the coexistence of both technologies brings a never-before-seen experience for users in all kinds of scenarios, regardless of the complexity of their own physical characteristics or high user density. Let us take a closer look at this relationship and its implications.<\/span><\/i> \n \n\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5G, a palpable reality around the globe<\/h2>\n\n

There is plenty of data that continues to support the idea that 5G is already well established and has a very bright future ahead of it. In fact, <\/span>according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)<\/span><\/a>, the number of announced 5G devices increased by 2.9% in April 2022 to 1,373 devices.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Of these, 1040 are commercially available, which translates into 75% of all announced 5G devices. This is an increase of 21.3% from the previous quarter. \n \n<\/p>\n\n

On the other hand, the consulting firm EY in a<\/span> survey<\/span><\/a> of more than a thousand companies worldwide tells us that 56% of participants plan to invest in 5G in the next 3 years, especially in Europe. In addition, 49% of respondents prioritise process optimisation as a key application of this technology.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

In addition, 77% are interested in using private networks to support the implementation of 5G use cases. That is, networks where the <\/span>network infrastructure<\/span><\/a> is used exclusively by devices authorised by the end-user organisation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Will 5G replace Wi-Fi?<\/h2>\n\n

Reading this 5G growth data, it’s a natural question to ask yourself. However, the WiFi industry has nothing to fear from this, quite the opposite. Adoption of WiFi6 is much higher and happening at a faster rate than 5G, with more than 4 billion WiFi6 devices in the market and a forecast to double this figure by next year. \n<\/p>\n\n

It is a reality that both technologies complement each other perfectly, enhancing their strengths and minimising their weaknesses. All of this crystallises in offering an optimised service for a 5-star user experience, regardless of the complexity of the environment in which they work. \n<\/p>\n\n

It is often argued that <\/span>5G-WiFi6<\/span><\/a> collaboration is really useful when WiFi is used for indoor and 5G for outdoor scenarios, thus bridging the gap of high quality <\/span>connectivity<\/span><\/a> between the two scenarios. While this may be the case, we should not forget that this joint work also has a high value when operating simultaneously indoors or outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

\"GALGUS-<\/figure>\n

5G-WiFi networks: What are the benefits?<\/h2>\n\n

Overall, we can say that WiFi6 and 5G bring an improved experience based on lower latency, higher capacity, range and security in all kinds of environments, including the most demanding ones. \n<\/p>\n\n

These benefits are set out in a WBA document entitled RAN Convergence <\/span>White Paper, which discusses the convergence<\/span><\/a> between mobile networks and WiFi technology.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

It highlights the complementary work it can do to automate roaming, facilitating a smooth <\/span>transition from a WiFi network to a 5G network or vice versa,<\/span><\/a> without affecting the quality of service or its security, and without the user noticing the change.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

On the mobile operators’ side, they will gain greater visibility of their networks, better control over aspects of the user experience and offer better services to users. \n<\/p>\n\n

For WiFi operators, they will also gain visibility for their networks and improve their customers’ experience by having the ability to access 5G services provided by the operator. \n<\/p>\n\n

The same WBA document outlines the main opportunities offered by WiFi-5G coordination for various professional sectors, among which the following stand out: \n<\/p>\n\n