Are 5G Routers worth it? Here’s what you need to know.

Are 5G Routers worth it?

Here’s what you need to know.

5G offers a lot of benefits, including wider channels (increased speed), lower latency (responsiveness), and more bandwidth (the ability to connect a lot more devices at once). But before you make the move to a 5G cellular router, you’ll want to make sure you’re in a position to take full advantage of it.

A few questions to help you evaluate whether a 5G cellular router is right for you:

Is 5G available in my area? While 5G networks are expanding around the world, not every community has 5G service yet. So you wouldn’t want to invest in a 5G cellular router before confirming that there’s a reliable 5G network in your area. If 5G coverage is non-existent or sparse, then a 5G router may not offer much benefit over a 4G LTE router.

Do I need high-speed Internet? If you use demanding business applications, game in real time, or need to stream in ultra-high definition, high speeds and ultra-low latency are important. In these cases, a 5G cellular router would be well worth it. Maximum download and upload speeds can vary significantly between models, so choose one that meets your data speed requirements.

Is traditional broadband available? If you’re setting up a temporary workspace, attending an event, or plan on being in an environment where traditional wired broadband isn’t available or feasible, a 5G router might offer the best combination of speed and portability. Businesses with critical online operations might consider 5G as a backup or even primary Internet solution due to its potential speeds and reduced latency compared to 4G.

Will my environment be changing? If you move frequently or if you believe your area will have improved 5G coverage in the near future, investing in a 5G cellular router can future-proof your connectivity options and provide peace-of-mind. As some people found out when 3G cellular devices stopped working, buying in to up-to-date technologies can help avoid obsolescence and having to replace your devices sooner than you’d like. (See how the 3G phase out impacted customers: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service )

What devices do I need to connect? You’ll want to take a close look at the devices you plan to connect to your 5G router to ensure they can take advantage of the increased speeds. Some older devices might not be capable of harnessing the full potential of a 5G connection.

How does 5G compare with wired broadband? In some regions, 5G speeds and reliability rival or even exceed traditional broadband options. In these situations, a 5G router could be an excellent primary Internet solution. But if wired broadband in your area offers similar or better performance at a lower cost, it might be the better choice.

Does my businesses require high levels of uptime? If so, consider using a 5G router as a backup solution to your primary wired connection, given the potential speeds and reliability 5G can offer.

Is 5G worth it? 5G routers can be more expensive than 4G routers. So before you invest, make sure that you’ll be able to take advantage of the increased speed, reduced latency, and other benefits of 5G. You’ll also want to review 5G data plans and carrier agreements to ensure they meet your data usage requirements and budget.

What is 5G and how does it compare to 4G?

“G” means generation, and 5G refers to the fifth generation of wireless cellular communication technology. 5G cellular networks have radio frequency bands similar to previous 4G networks, along with a new radio frequency band that opens up more frequencies for data traffic, which results in a number of advantages, such as:

Increased Speeds: Faster speeds are one of the most highly prized features of 5G. While download and upload speeds can vary depending on the strength of the signal, 5G can deliver an average speed of up to 10 Gbps – which is more than 100 times faster than 4G technology, and even faster than many fixed broadband services.

Lower Latency: Latency refers to the time it takes for a device to respond to information or action. Faster speeds translate to significantly lower latency, with 5G equipped to reach an imperceptible 1ms delay compared to the 20-50ms delay typical of 3G and 4G networks. Low latency environments are critical for the successful operation of autonomous cars, drones, cloud gaming, and other latency-sensitive applications.

Massive Network Capacity: Network capacity refers to how many devices are using the same network at the same time. Too many devices on the same 4G network lead to slower data speeds, longer lag time for downloads, and network failures. 5G is designed to solve these problems, with a massive network capacity that enables more devices to connect simultaneously and still maintain high speeds, even in densely populated urban areas.

Increased Stability: With the ability to support over 500 times the connection density compared to 4G in a given area, 5G networks are much more resilient to network congestion. For those on fiber Internet networks, 5G can serve as a solid backup to ensure business continuity during unplanned downtime.

Peplink 5G Cellular Routers Power High Speed Connections

Racing Team Doubles Down on Speed and Connectivity

When an Asian Pacific racing team wanted to upgrade the connectivity setup of their race car so it was as fast as the vehicle itself, they turned to Peplink. Deploying Peplink’s BR1 Pro 5G enabled the team to track their car and driver in real time.

Metro Corporation Rides on Reliable Connectivity for Light Rail

A metro corporation in Asia enables commuters to connect on the go with Peplink’s MAX BR1 Pro 5G. A majority of their 300,000 monthly passengers utilize the fast and free WiFi they provide on their rail line.

Aviation Museum Delivers an Augmented Reality Experience

An aviation museum in Europe brings the views of its exhibits from different angles to visitors through Augmented Reality (AR) powered by 5G connectivity with Peplink’s MBX Mini.

Drone Specialist and Emergency Vehicle Manufacturer Create the Ultimate Ride

The UK’s leading drone specialist and emergency vehicle manufacturer recently unveiled their new Drone Command Unit vehicle, which integrates a Peplink 5G router and Starlink for reliable connectivity during critical operations.

Choosing the Best Router

While a 5G cellular router may seem expensive at the outset, the return on investment can be well worth it. A good 5G router increases network reliability and speed, which can increase productivity, improve the customer experience, help future-proof your network, and more.

At Peplink, we frequently help people determine which router is right for them, so feel free to reach out to us or one of our certified partners for help.

Explore 5G cellular routers from Peplink

Additional topics to explore:

Comprehensive guide to 5G cellular routers

Why are 5G Routers so expensive?

Differences between 5G routers and 4G routers