5G対応のWiFiとは?特徴やメリットを徹底解説!

What is 5G-compatible WiFi? A thorough explanation of its features and benefits!

1. What is 5G-enabled WiFi?

1.1 Definition of 5G-enabled WiFi

5G-compatible WiFi is the next generation of WiFi technology, a new standard that combines 5G networks with WiFi technology to provide a faster and more stable communication environment.

5G-enabled WiFi is an evolution of conventional WiFi, a wireless communication technology widely used to build local networks in homes and offices. This technology is used in devices and routers that support the latest standards such as WiFi 6 (or WiFi 6E), and provides communication performance that takes advantage of the advantages of 5G mobile networks.

The name "5G" refers to the fifth generation standard for mobile communications, but 5G-compatible WiFi is the application of that technology to WiFi, and strictly speaking, it means that WiFi works in conjunction with 5G mobile networks. This enables high-speed data transfer, low latency, and simultaneous connection of many devices, bringing revolutionary convenience, especially in smart homes and IoT (Internet of Things) environments.

5G-enabled WiFi is gaining attention in the following areas:

  • Personal use : High quality entertainment experience for streaming and online gaming
  • Business use : Smooth communication environment for remote work and video conferencing
  • Industrial use : Real-time connection of IoT devices in factories and medical fields

As the next generation of communications infrastructure, 5G-enabled WiFi has the potential to further improve the efficiency of our daily lives and businesses.



1.2 Differences from conventional WiFi

5G-compatible WiFi has made great advances in terms of communication speed, connection stability, and the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously compared to conventional WiFi.

Conventional WiFi standards, such as WiFi 4 (802.11n) and WiFi 5 (802.11ac), have been widely used as the foundation for wireless networks in homes and workplaces. However, these standards have limitations on communication speed and the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously, which can be a challenge, especially in high-density connection environments such as smart homes and large offices.

On the other hand, 5G-enabled WiFi adds the following features:

  • Improved communication speed
    5G-compatible WiFi, which incorporates technologies such as WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E, has a theoretical communication speed of up to 9.6 Gbps. This is about three times faster than the conventional WiFi 5 (maximum 3.5 Gbps). This allows you to stream ultra-high-definition videos such as 4K and 8K and transfer large amounts of data without any stress.
  • Low latency and high stability
    5G-compatible WiFi utilizes low-latency technology developed for mobile communications, minimizing the impact of communication latency in applications that require real-time performance, such as online games and video conferencing.
  • Increased number of simultaneously connected devices
    Conventional WiFi can experience speed drops when multiple devices are connected, but 5G-compatible WiFi uses technologies such as OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) and MU-MIMO (multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output) to maintain high communication quality even when multiple devices are connected at the same time.

In addition, 5G-compatible WiFi can use new frequency bands such as the 6GHz band, which is less congested than the conventional 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, allowing for smoother communication.

Thanks to these technological advances, 5G-compatible WiFi overcomes the challenges of conventional WiFi and is becoming a new generation of communications infrastructure that can be used in a wider range of scenarios.


1.3 The relationship between 5G and WiFi

Although 5G and WiFi are independent communications technologies, they will work together in a complementary manner to shape the next-generation network environment.

First, 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System) marks the evolution of mobile network technology. In contrast, WiFi is a local network technology that is mainly used at home, work, and in public spaces. Although both are wireless communication technologies, there are clear differences in their purpose and scope of application.

The difference between the roles of 5G and WiFi

  • The role of 5G : To provide widespread mobile connectivity. It will create an environment where you can connect to the Internet even when you're out and about via base stations operated by telecommunications carriers. It will be particularly effective in situations where high-speed, stable communications are required even while on the move.
  • The role of WiFi : It is generally used by connecting to a fixed Internet line. It is often used to connect devices within a local area and reduce communication costs.

A new convergence of 5G-enabled WiFi
As the term 5G-enabled WiFi suggests, 5G and WiFi are increasingly being used in complementary ways for a number of reasons:

  1. Sharing of communications : By using 5G when on the go and WiFi at home or in the office, it will be possible to use the network more efficiently, taking advantage of each network's strengths.
  2. Technology sharing : The low latency and high density connection technologies used in 5G are also being applied to WiFi 6, which has significantly improved the performance of WiFi itself.
  3. The rise of IoT : The rise of IoT devices will require hybrid 5G and WiFi networks. For example, devices in a smart home will be connected via WiFi, but 5G will be used to control them on the go.

The future of cooperation between the two
Although 5G and WiFi will not be fully integrated, they will complement each other to form the network infrastructure that supports our daily lives and businesses. This collaboration is expected to evolve even further, especially with the advent of WiFi 7 and the next generation of 5G technology.


2. Features and Benefits of 5G WiFi

2.1 High-speed communication and low latency

5G-compatible WiFi offers significantly faster communication speeds and lower latency than conventional WiFi, providing a more comfortable internet environment.

Characteristics of high-speed communication
5G-compatible WiFi uses the latest communication standards, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and WiFi 6E, and the theoretical maximum communication speed reaches 9.6 Gbps. This is a number that significantly exceeds the maximum speed of 3.5 Gbps of the conventional WiFi 5 (802.11ac). In addition, WiFi 6E, which can use the 6 GHz band, is creating an environment where more devices can enjoy high communication speeds.

This high speed communication enables the following uses:

  • Ultra-high resolution video delivery : 4K and 8K video streaming can be played smoothly. Buffering stress is greatly reduced.
  • Rapid transfer of large amounts of data : Uploading and downloading large files, such as for video editing and photo sharing, can be completed in a short time.

The Importance of Low Latency
Low latency refers to the reduction in the time it takes for data to be sent and received. 5G-compatible WiFi applies the low-latency technology of 5G mobile networks, which is effective in situations that require real-time communication, such as online games and video conferencing.

Specifically, the benefits of low latency are evident in the following scenarios:

  • Online games : When players battle each other in real time, lag caused by delays in operation is reduced.
  • Telemedicine : It can reduce delays in areas that require precision, such as operating surgical robots and sharing medical data in real time.
  • AR/VR experiences : In virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), synchronization of images and actions is important, and low latency supports this.

New possibilities brought about by high-speed communication and low latency
The evolution of 5G-compatible WiFi is bringing about a world where communication stress is virtually eliminated. This has the potential to fundamentally change the way we live and do business, such as enabling remote work and online learning environments and expanding the use of IoT devices.


2.2 Increase in the number of simultaneous connections

5G-compatible WiFi will allow a significant increase in the number of devices that can connect simultaneously, providing smooth communication even in high-density connection environments.

In conventional WiFi environments, when multiple devices connect at the same time, communication speeds can slow down and stability can be lost. However, 5G-compatible WiFi introduces innovative technologies to solve these issues.

Technological advances enabling simultaneous connections

  1. OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)
    OFDMA is one of the core technologies of WiFi 6 (802.11ax), which efficiently divides the communication channel and allows multiple devices to send and receive data simultaneously. This mechanism allows more devices to be connected comfortably than conventional WiFi.
  2. MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output)
    MU-MIMO is a technology that transmits data to multiple devices simultaneously. Conventional WiFi generally uses a "wait-and-go" mechanism whereby data is sent to one device and then switched to the next device. However, with MU-MIMO, the router can send data to multiple devices simultaneously, dramatically improving communication efficiency.

Benefits in high density connection environments
5G-enabled WiFi will be especially effective in environments with many connected devices, including:

  • Smart home : Stable communication is possible even in environments where multiple IoT devices, such as smart speakers, lighting, surveillance cameras, and home appliances, are connected simultaneously.
  • Office environment : Provides high-speed, stable communications even in large offices where all employees use laptops and smartphones.
  • Public facilities : This will reduce congestion in places where many people use WiFi, such as airports, train stations, and cafes.

The technology behind the future of connectivity
The simultaneous connection performance of 5G-compatible WiFi is expected to improve even further with the arrival of the next-generation standard, WiFi 7. This will ensure a stable communication environment even in the future, when IoT becomes more widespread and more devices are connected to the network.


2.3 Strengthening Security

5G-compatible WiFi has significantly improved security compared to conventional WiFi, providing a network environment that can be used with peace of mind.

While WiFi networks are convenient, security vulnerabilities have been a concern. In particular, there have been cases where public WiFi and home networks have increased the risk of unauthorized access and information leakage. However, 5G-compatible WiFi has introduced the latest security technology and has mechanisms in place to minimize these risks.

Enhanced Security with WPA3
5G-compatible WiFi uses the latest encryption standard, WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access 3), as standard. WPA3 has the following features:

  • Stronger encryption : Data is harder to sniff and prevents unauthorized analysis attacks.
  • Simplified connection security : Encryption keeps you safe, even when connecting over public WiFi.
  • Enhanced password protection : Even simple passwords are becoming more resistant to guessing attacks.

Improved individual device protection
5G WiFi will ensure that each device in the network is protected independently, so that if one device is compromised, the impact on other devices is minimized. This will help ensure safety in environments with many connected smart homes and IoT devices.

Further development of security technology
5G-compatible WiFi is also being developed to support next-generation security technologies, such as the application of quantum cryptography and the introduction of threat detection technology using AI, creating a network environment that can quickly respond to modern, complex cyber attacks.


2.4 If you want to use WiFi while traveling, we recommend ACROSS WiFi!

If you are looking for a comfortable WiFi environment for your overseas trip or business trip, "Across WiFi" is the best choice. Across WiFi has the following features to support your internet use overseas.

  1. 5G compatible for high-speed communication
    Across WiFi offers plans that utilize the latest 5G-compatible WiFi devices, providing high-speed, stable communications. It can be used comfortably for a variety of purposes, including streaming, video conferencing, and updating social media.
  2. Unlimited Data Plan
    Depending on the country, you can choose an unlimited data plan. With China WiFi plans, you can bypass internet restrictions without needing a VPN and use your data without worrying about your data usage.
  3. Easy pick-up and return process
    We offer flexible collection options, including home delivery and airport collection, making it hassle-free to return your device when you return home.
  4. Reliable support in Japanese
    In the unlikely event of a problem, customer support is available in Japanese, so even first-time users can use the service with peace of mind.

With ACROSS WiFi, you can enjoy a stress-free internet environment even when you are abroad. For details and to apply, please see the official website.

Apply for 5G WiFi here

3. 5G-enabled WiFi Technology Infrastructure

3.1 Frequency bands and communication standards

5G-compatible WiFi uses new frequency bands and advanced communication standards to achieve faster and more efficient communication than ever before.

In WiFi technology, frequency bands are an important factor that directly affect communication speeds and range. 5G-compatible WiFi now includes WiFi 6E, which can utilize the 6GHz band in addition to the conventional 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and communication performance has been greatly improved.

Characteristics and evolution of frequency bands

  1. 2.4GHz band
    • Features: Capable of communication over a wide area and easily passes through walls and obstacles.
    • Issues: Easy to become congested and communication speeds tend to slow down.
    • Use cases: Suitable for IoT devices and applications requiring low bandwidth.
  2. 5GHz band
    • Features: Communication speeds are faster than the 2.4GHz band, making it suitable for video streaming and online gaming.
    • Challenges: Limited communication range and weak against walls and obstacles.
    • Use case: High bandwidth communications on smartphones and laptops.
  3. 6GHz band (WiFi 6E)
    • Features: Offers wide bandwidth and little interference, allowing for extremely fast communication.
    • Challenges: Compatible devices are still limited, and a compatible router is required for use.
    • Usage example: Ideal for next-generation devices and high-density connection environments.

Evolution of communication standards

  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
    WiFi 6 adopts technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO to improve communication efficiency and the number of simultaneous connections. It also has a function called "Target Wake Time (TWT)" that reduces battery consumption.
  • WiFi 6E
    This new standard enables the use of the 6GHz band, making it ideal for environments that require high-speed communication and low latency. It has little interference, making it particularly advantageous for use in large cities and public facilities.

Expectations for the next generation of standards
The arrival of WiFi 7 is just around the corner, and it is expected to be even faster and more efficient. WiFi 7 will support multi-link connections and further reduce latency, enabling a future where multiple devices can connect simultaneously with smooth communication.


3.2 mmWave and Sub-6: Their respective characteristics

Millimeter wave and sub-6 technologies are key elements that support the communication performance of 5G-compatible WiFi. Each has different characteristics and is used depending on the application and environment.

Characteristics of mmWave
Millimeter wave refers to the high frequency band between 30GHz and 300GHz. 5G technology often uses the band between 24GHz and 40GHz.

  • advantage :
    1. Ultra-fast communication
      mmWave has extremely high bandwidth and theoretically allows communication speeds of over 10Gbps, making it ideal for applications that require high processing power, such as 4K and 8K video streaming and real-time data analysis.
    2. Low Latency
      The response time for data transmission is short, making it effective in situations that require real-time performance, such as online games and remote medical care.
  • assignment :
    1. The communication range is short
      Because it is a high frequency band, the radio waves have a short reach and are vulnerable to obstructions, so it is mainly used indoors or in areas with a high concentration of base stations.
    2. High cost
      Large investments are required for mmWave-compatible equipment and infrastructure.

Features of Sub-6GHz
Sub-6 refers to frequency bands below 6 GHz. For 5G, the 3.5 GHz and 4.5 GHz bands are widely used.

  • advantage :
    1. Wide communication range
      Sub-6 uses a relatively low frequency band, so it has a wider range than mmWave and can easily pass through walls and obstacles, making it suitable for use outdoors and over a wide area.
    2. Stable communication
      It is less congested and provides relatively stable communications, making it suitable for home WiFi and business use.
  • assignment :
    1. Communication speed limit
      Compared to mmWave, the bandwidth is narrower and communication speeds tend to be slower, but it still allows for faster communication than conventional WiFi.

Coexistence of mmWave and Sub-6
In 5G-compatible WiFi, mmWave and sub-6 can coexist, taking advantage of their respective characteristics. For example, mmWave is used in high-density urban areas, while sub-6 is used in suburban areas and areas where a wide-area network is required. This flexibility in using different frequencies depending on the environment and purpose is one of the strengths of 5G-compatible WiFi.


3.3 MIMO and Beamforming

The technologies that dramatically improve the communication efficiency and performance of 5G-compatible WiFi are MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and beamforming, which are the key technologies that enable high-speed communication and stable connections.

What is MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output)?

MIMO is a technology that uses multiple antennas on routers and access points to send and receive multiple data streams simultaneously, significantly improving communication speeds and connection efficiency.

  • advantage
    1. Improved communication speed
      By processing multiple data streams simultaneously, communication speeds are dramatically improved compared to using a single antenna.
    2. Increase in the number of simultaneous connections
      Since each antenna operates independently, multiple devices can simultaneously enjoy smooth communications.
    3. Stability of communication
      It reduces the effects of radio wave reflection and obstacles, enabling more reliable communication.

What is Beamforming?

Beamforming is a technology that concentrates radio waves toward a specific device. Conventional WiFi emits radio waves uniformly in all directions, but beamforming improves communication quality by concentrating energy in the desired direction.

  • advantage
    1. Expanded communication range
      Since radio waves are transmitted in a specific direction, a stable connection is possible even over long distances.
    2. Improved signal strength
      It minimizes signal loss when passing through walls and obstacles, delivering a stronger signal to your device.
    3. Energy Saving
      By limiting radio waves to only necessary devices, unnecessary energy consumption is reduced.

The Synergistic Effect of MIMO and Beamforming

5G WiFi will combine MIMO and beamforming to further improve communication efficiency and reliability. For example, MIMO processes multiple data streams simultaneously, while beamforming focuses that data on specific devices, providing a wide-area, high-density connection.

These technologies are attracting attention as elements that will maximize the performance of 5G-compatible WiFi in a variety of scenarios, including smart homes, offices, and public facilities.


4. Challenges and Solutions for Introducing 5G Compatible WiFi

4.1 Initial costs and infrastructure development

The challenges to the adoption of 5G-enabled WiFi include the initial cost and the need for infrastructure development, which are the main obstacles to widespread adoption of the technology.

Initial cost issues
To deploy 5G-compatible WiFi, you need compatible routers, access points, devices, and other equipment. These devices are more expensive than traditional WiFi-compatible devices, and represent a major investment for individuals and businesses.

  • For individual users
    The costs associated with setting up a smart home and purchasing high-performance devices are a challenge, especially when it comes to deploying WiFi 6E-enabled routers and devices compatible with 5G networks.
  • For businesses
    To utilize 5G-enabled WiFi in large offices and factories, the entire network needs to be upgraded, which involves dedicated equipment, configuration work, and in some cases engineering costs, resulting in high initial costs.

The need for infrastructure development
To get the most out of 5G-enabled WiFi, advanced infrastructure is essential, including:

  1. High-density access point deployment
    To achieve high-speed communication with 5G-compatible WiFi, multiple access points must be installed. Especially in urban areas and other densely populated environments, efficient use of radio waves is required.
  2. Speeding up lines
    If the speed of the internet connection itself is slow, you will not be able to fully utilize the performance of 5G-compatible WiFi. You will need to install a high-speed connection such as fiber optic.
  3. Power Supply and Wiring Management
    When installing a large number of access points, designing the power supply and wiring can be a challenge, which requires technical knowledge and planning.

Cost reduction and efficiency initiatives
To address this challenge, many companies are looking for cost-saving and deployment efficiencies. For example:

  • Subsidies and assistance programs : Governments and local municipalities may offer grant programs to support the deployment of 5G infrastructure.
  • Shared infrastructure : A system is being considered to distribute costs by sharing infrastructure among multiple companies and users.

4.2 Device Compatibility and Support

One of the key aspects of 5G WiFi deployment is device compatibility and readiness, as overcoming these challenges will be key to accelerating the adoption of the technology.

Device Compatibility Challenges
5G-compatible WiFi uses the latest standards such as WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E, but the problem is that compatible devices are not yet widespread. Specific compatibility issues include:

  1. Incompatibility with older devices
    Devices that support older WiFi standards (such as WiFi 4 and WiFi 5) may not be able to take advantage of the new advancements in 5G WiFi, and as a result, will miss out on the increased speeds and simultaneous connections.
  2. Price of compatible devices
    Many devices that support the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are in the high price range, making it difficult for individual users and small and medium-sized businesses to adopt them.

Current status
As technology evolves, 5G-enabled WiFi-enabled devices are gradually becoming available, but adoption rates vary by region and market. Here's what's available so far:

  • Smartphones : Many high-end models support WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E, but entry-level models are still lacking.
  • Routers : The latest WiFi 6E-enabled routers are now available on the market and are becoming increasingly affordable.
  • IoT devices : IoT devices such as smart speakers and smart home appliances are slow to adopt and it will take some time for them to become fully adopted.

How to ensure compatibility and promote adoption
To address device compatibility challenges, we are working on the following:

  1. Maintaining backward compatibility
    Routers and access points that use the latest standards also support older standards (WiFi 4 and WiFi 5) to ensure compatibility with existing devices. This allows for stable communication even in environments where new and old devices coexist.
  2. Promotion campaign
    Consumer electronics manufacturers and carriers are running campaigns to promote the adoption of 5G-enabled WiFi-enabled products, including discount sales and bundle sales.
  3. Standardization and compatibility testing
    Industry-wide standardization and rigorous compatibility testing are underway to ensure 5G-enabled WiFi-enabled devices can work together smoothly.

4.3 Security risks and countermeasures

The introduction of 5G-enabled WiFi may introduce new security risks, but there are effective countermeasures to these risks that can keep you safe.

Main security risks

  1. Eavesdropping on communications
    WiFi is a wireless communication system that does not require a physical connection, so there is a risk of eavesdropping on communications. In particular, if encryption is insufficient, personal information and confidential data may be leaked.
  2. Unauthorized Access
    There is a risk that a malicious third party could infiltrate the network and obtain data illegally or even manipulate the entire network.
  3. Vulnerabilities in IoT devices
    IoT devices such as smart home appliances and surveillance cameras often lack sufficient security measures and can pose a threat to the security of the entire network.

Key points of measures

  1. Use of strong encryption
    5G WiFi uses the latest encryption standard, WPA3. This standard provides stronger encryption than the previous WPA2 standard, significantly reducing the risk of eavesdropping on your communications. What's more, your sessions on public WiFi are also encrypted, making them more secure.
  2. Network Isolation
    For home or office use, it is recommended to use a guest network to separate the main network from the connections of visitors, preventing access to key data and devices even if the guest network is compromised.
  3. Securing IoT Devices
  • Firmware updates : Keeping IoT devices up to date can help fix known vulnerabilities.
  • Strong passwords : It is important to change the default password to something that is difficult to guess.
  • Network monitoring : It is effective to implement a monitoring system to detect abnormal traffic and signs of unauthorized access at an early stage.
  1. Security Education and Awareness
    To ensure a secure network, you also need to be security conscious. At home and at work, you can:
  • Do not open suspicious links or emails
  • Change your password regularly
  • Only use trusted devices and apps

The Importance of Measures to Address Security Risks

With the spread of 5G-enabled WiFi, security risks are inevitable. However, by taking appropriate measures, these risks can be minimized. Ensuring that all network users are security-conscious and create a safe environment will be the key to maximizing the convenience of 5G-enabled WiFi in the future.


5. Summary of 5G-compatible WiFi

5G-compatible WiFi is the next generation of communications technology, featuring faster data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, bringing new possibilities to our lives and businesses.

Compared to conventional WiFi, 5G-compatible WiFi provides a faster and more stable communication environment, so it is expected to be used in a wide range of applications, including smart homes, IoT, remote work, online games, and the medical field. In addition, it adopts the latest communication standards and technologies (WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, MIMO, beamforming, etc.) and is flexible enough to meet future demands.

On the other hand, there are also issues such as initial costs, infrastructure development, device compatibility, and security risks. To address these issues, appropriate investment, measures to promote the spread of devices, and security measures such as encryption and network separation are essential.

As 5G-compatible WiFi technology continues to evolve and become more widespread, it will provide convenience to more people and make our society even more comfortable and efficient.


Leave your overseas WiFi needs to ACROSS WiFi!

If you are looking for a high-speed, comfortable 5G-compatible WiFi environment, we recommend Across WiFi's overseas WiFi rental service. Stable communication allows you to use the internet stress-free even overseas. Please give it a try!