Wi-Fi 5 ONU vs Wi-Fi 6 ONU: How to Choose?
Updated at Dec 5th 20241 min read
As PON(Passive Optical Network) technology advances, ONUs have significantly expanded in functionality. Wi-Fi-enabled ONUs are gaining popularity in FTTx applications, but how well do you know their Wi-Fi features? This article will explore the differences between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 and guide users in selecting the best Wi-Fi ONU to meet their network needs.
Understanding Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network (WLAN) technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The IEEE 802.11 standard has evolved through several upgrades: from 802.11 to 802.11n, 802.11ax, and 802.11be. Each upgrade has resulted in significant improvements in wireless network speed.
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Introduced in 2013, Wi-Fi 5 mainly operates on the 5GHz band. Its maximum data transfer speed reaches up to 3.5Gbps and it uses 256-QAM modulation technology. This standard was developed to boost the speed and stability of wireless networks, particularly in environments with a limited number of connected devices. While Wi-Fi 5 offers advantages like reduced interference and higher speeds, it can be less efficient when handling many devices.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Launched in 2019, Wi-Fi 6 is the successor to Wi-Fi 5 and brings notable performance enhancements. It can achieve data transfer speeds of up to 9.6Gbps and supports 1024-QAM modulation. Wi-Fi 6 can communicate with up to eight devices simultaneously, catering to today's high-device environments. This makes it ideal for high-density environments, offering better performance and lower latency.
The table below lists some key parameters to better compare the differences between WiFi 5 and WiFi 6.
Parameter | Wi-Fi5 | Wi-Fi6 |
IEEE Standard | 802.11ac | 802.11ax |
Frequency | 5GHz | 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
Speeds | Max 3.5 Gbps | Max 9.6 Gbps |
Max Range | 20-25 meters | 45 meters |
MU-MIMO | 4 x 4 MU-MIMO | 8 x 8 MU-MIMO |
OFDMA | OFDM | OFDMA |
Network Security | WPA, WPA2 | WPA, WPA2, WPA3 |
Modulation | 256 QAM | 1024 QAM |
Latency | More | Less |
Why Wi-Fi 6 is Better than Wi-Fi 5
Broader Band Coverage
WiFi 5 primarily relies on the 5GHz band for data transmission, which is sufficient for high-speed devices but might be a bit excessive for those with lower speed needs. WiFi 6, on the other hand, operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, giving it the flexibility to connect devices to the most suitable band for their requirements. This helps facilitate smoother communication and better overall performance.
Higher Speed and Throughput
QAM(Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) is crucial in determining data transmission speeds. The higher the QAM number, the more data can be transmitted with each wave cycle, leading to faster speeds. Wi-Fi 5 supports up to 256-QAM, while Wi-Fi 6 is upgraded to 1024-QAM, allowing for higher data capacity and quicker speeds, resulting in a smoother online experience for users.
Moreover, Wi-Fi 6 can handle up to 8 devices sharing MU-MIMO data streams simultaneously. This means that even if someone is gaming while others are watching videos or streaming TV online at home, there won't be any disruption. Clearly, Wi-Fi 6 offers better network efficiency and stronger performance in multi-device settings.
Lower Latency
Normally, when network throughput increases, latency tends to decrease. Wi-Fi 6 has an extra edge in cutting down on latency by using OFDMA technology. Think of data transmission like trucks on a highway; previously each truck could only carry one type of cargo. OFDMA changes this by allowing trucks to be larger and carry different types of cargo all at once.
This means that gaming, video, and web data can all be sent together over the same signal, which greatly reduces delay.
Enhance Security
Wi-Fi 6 offers significant advancements in network security compared to Wi-Fi 5. It introduces the WPA3 security protocol, offering major improvements over WPA2. It features stronger encryption and enhanced authentication methods, providing a safer and more reliable network experience, especially important as online threats continue to grow.
The Evolution of ONUs: From Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6
As Wi-Fi technology keeps improving, ONUs are updating as well. The differences among ONUs with these Wi-Fi standards are mainly reflected in transmission speeds, performance, and application scenarios.
Wi-Fi 5 ONU
WiFi 5 ONUs offer wireless speeds of up to 1200Mbps, making them ideal for homes or small businesses with moderate internet usage. For most households, WiFi 5 is sufficient for activities like streaming HD videos and online gaming on smartphones, tablets, and computers. In small office environments, it supports tasks like email communication and video conferencing.
However, its network throughput and the number of devices it can handle simultaneously are limited. For those with budget constraints and moderate network needs, WiFi 5 ONUs provide a cost-effective solution.
Wi-Fi 6 ONU
WiFi 6 ONUs increase wireless speeds up to 3000Mbps, making them ideal for homes or businesses with high internet use and growing numbers of connected devices. WiFi 6 supports more devices, provides broader coverage, and offers lower latency, effectively catering to 4K/8K streaming, virtual reality (VR), and cloud gaming. In office settings, it allows more employees to connect simultaneously for online collaboration and video conferencing.
Thus, for users with high-density connections and high bandwidth needs, WiFi 6 ONUs are the superior choice.
FS offers various types of ONUs, including Wi-Fi 5 ONU and Wi-Fi 6 ONU
Models | |||
PON Port | 1x GPON Port (SC/APC) | 1x GPON Port (SC/UPC) | 1x XGPON (SC/UPC) |
UNI Port | 4x GE, 2x POTS, 1x RF, 1x USB | 4x GE, 1x POTS, 1x USB | 4x GE, 1x POTS, 1x USB |
Wi-Fi | WiFi 5 | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
Power Supply | Input AC 100V~240V Output DC 12V/1.5A | Input AC 100V~240V Output DC 12V/1.5A | Input AC 100V~240V Output DC 12V/2.0A |
Power Consumption | Max. 14W | Max. 18W | Max. 24W |
Can a Wi-Fi ONU Replace a Router
In fact, Wi-Fi ONUs are also known as HGU (Home Gateway Unit) ONUs. This type of ONU is widely used in FTTH (Fiber to the Home) and functions as a home gateway. It supports routing mode, enabling broadband dial-up applications on its own, allowing connected computers and mobile devices to access the internet without needing to dial up. In other words, HGU-type ONUs can replace routers.
For information, please check: ONU vs Router: Can ONUs Replace Routers？
Conclusion
Whether you’re upgrading a home network, managing a bustling office, or creating a reliable public Wi-Fi space, selecting the right ONU is essential for achieving optimal performance.
FS offers a diverse range of ONUs, including Wi-Fi ONU, POE/POE+ ONU, and ONU stick modules, tailored to meet different networking demands. For more insights into ONUs and PON networks, feel free to reach out to us!