5G wireless technology is rapidly taking over, but it's still too soon to get rid of your Wi-Fi 6 router. In this blog, it explains why enterprises around the world are choosing to deploy 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6 together and enjoying the best of two worlds. Read on to see how this could also be an effective network connectivity strategy for your business.
The Best Combination for Business Networks: 5G plus Wi-Fi 6 Technology
In today's highly digital transformation trend, a fast and stable network connectivity can help companies gain a decisive edge over the competition. Enterprises that can access the most reliable and efficient connection available have a better chance of success. To achieve this, many businesses are turning to a combination of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 networks in their workplace.
When 5G network and Wi-Fi 6 are deployed together, businesses can enjoy a range of advantages. This wireless technology can help expand opportunities across many industries, such as healthcare, by connecting healthcare workers and patients on campus, and creating a seamless experience as if everyone is in the same room.
H2: Top 5 Benefits of Combining 5G and Wi-Fi 6 into Business Uses
The deployment of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 is important for businesses for several reasons:
1). Increased Network Capacity
IoT devices are more prevalent in today's professional environment than ever before. Large enterprises might have hundreds of workers on their premises daily, and it's not uncommon for each employee to have 3 to 4 mobile devices connected to the company's network simultaneously. When these businesses eventually grow in size, the capacity of their network will also need to scale up with them.
When compared to their predecessors, the newer technology within Wi-Fi 6 and 5G provides much higher capacity within its network and is much more scalable. Wi-Fi 6, for example, improves upon previous generations of Wi-Fi by delivering much higher capacity simultaneously to as many devices as possible. Devices no longer have to fight each other for the fastest connection, and networks can now support hundreds of devices all at once without compromising connection speed.
2). Improved Reliability and Stability
Wi-Fi 6 and a 5G network together give yet another level of stability to company's daily operations. Employees and company equipment can smoothly switch to the other connection in the event that a network fails due to unforeseen circumstances (such as a power outage, IT problems, etc.). This prevents any losses or downtime. This tactic is particularly common in professional industries like finance and healthcare where a quick disconnect or prolonged outage could result in significant consequences.
Along with consistency and dependability, integrating 5G and Wi-Fi 6 can provide the smoothest experience possible while switching between cellular and wireless networks. For instance, mobile 5G is around 50 times quicker and has 10 times less latency than 4G/LTE. A 5G user won't notice a sudden decline in performance and speed when they leave their office building (and Wi-Fi network) to commute or work remotely. Most of the Wi-Fi-only programs they had been using will still work just fine on 5G. Because a user switched from wireless to cellular, video conversations, for instance, wouldn't immediately become choppy and ineffective.
3). Fuller Network Coverage
Combining 5G and Wi-Fi 6 together can provide fuller coverage of the network than either one alone. While Wi-Fi 6 can provide unparalleled connection speed for indoor areas within a campus, 5G's broader geographic coverage means employees and visitors will never lose their connection, even in outdoor areas of the premise and beyond. Their overlapping footprints allow users to access wider areas with higher speeds while maintaining the best connection at all times. It also makes collaboration outside the office easier, as employees can stay connected from satellite offices, home offices, or other remote work locations with their mobile phone or laptops
4). Device Compatibility
With the proliferation of smart devices and the increasing demand for seamless connectivity in remote work, having a network infrastructure that supports a wide range of devices is crucial for businesses. Businesses may build a comprehensive network environment that supports a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, IoT devices, and more by merging 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technologies. This flexibility guarantees that users of all types of devices can connect to the network with ease, fostering effective teamwork, data sharing, and productivity throughout the business.
Additionally, businesses may take use of the benefits of each technology based on the particular use case thanks to 5G and Wi-Fi 6's compatibility. For instance, 5G can offer dependable connectivity and high-speed data transfer for mobile workers or remote sites, while Wi-Fi 6 can give quick and dependable connectivity in office spaces or other places where there is a high user density.
What Should Businesses Prepare for 5G Deployment?
As of 2023, many enterprises around the world have already started using mobile 5G as a backup for their fibre network and the importance of having a 5G network in place will only grow in the coming years. For businesses that want to adopt 5G early, the below strategies could help smoothen the transition process and help ensure that they are able to maximise the benefits 5G can bring to their network.
1). Devise a 5G Digital Transformation Plan
In order for businesses to get the most out of 5G and Wi-Fi 6, businesses need to ensure that their infrastructure is ready for network connectivity. This means devising a 5G digital transformation plan that outlines how business can utilise both technologies in order to improve operations. Companies should also take into consideration any existing legacy systems that may need upgrading and consider investing in new 5G routers and devices that can fully maximise the capabilities of the new wireless technology.
The initial cost of an upgrade might seem high to some business owners, but the improved speed, coverage, and stability that 5G brings to their network will definitely be worth the investment. With a faster and more responsive network, an enterprise could support more devices simultaneously, improve efficiency and productivity, and open the door to a whole world of new innovative technology such as AI, VR, AR, Drones, and more. In the long run, investing in 5G now could not only save a business tremendous amount of time and money, but also help them stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in their industry.
2). Optimise Enterprise Endpoint Security
The combination of Wifi-6 and 5G has enabled our workforce to operate anywhere, anytime, and with much higher efficiency than ever before, which significantly increase the number of connected mobile devices and laptops, making it critical for enterprises to prioritize cybersecurity. Thus, enterprises have to ensure that all connected devices including IoTs have the latest firmware and security patches and implement strong authentication protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
Hackers around the world are taking advantage of this recent explosion of endpoint devices in business's networks. Many companies are still using old cyber security tools that are not designed to deal with today's cyber threats. They end up losing thousands of dollars and experiencing many weeks of downtime and disruption as a result. While it's important for businesses to keep up with the latest and fastest technology, it's equally important for them to keep their cyber security up to date. Heading into the 5G era, businesses should look into next generation cyber security solutions such as Next Generation Firewalls, Managed Endpoint Detection and Response, SOAR, and Next Generation SOC to maximise their security and prepare for the new challenges ahead.
Onboard 5G & Wi-Fi 6 with HKT
Look no further than HKT for 5G business broadband plus Wi-Fi 6 solution. Covering 99.9% of Hong Kong's main business districts and all MTR lines, HKT currently offers one of the most comprehensive company-level 5G services in the city and will be second to none in providing your enterprise with the most tailored 5G network and technical support. No matter if you are looking for superior speed, security, and network management for an office, or a safe and reliable connection for your team outside of the workplace, HKT's enterprise 5G broadband solution can elevate your connections and take your business to the next level. Get in touch.