ALLPCB
5G routers and 4G routers differ in several key aspects. The following summarizes the main differences:
1. Frequency bands and spectrum
- 5G routers: Operate in the 5 GHz band and may also use millimeter-wave bands (approximately 24 GHz to 100 GHz). This enables access to wider spectrum resources and higher wireless transmission rates.
- 4G routers: Primarily operate below 6 GHz, including the 2.4 GHz band, which is also commonly used by other wireless devices such as Bluetooth and microwave ovens. As a result, 4G may face more interference in some environments.
2. Transmission speed
- 5G routers: Using New Radio (NR) technology and wider spectrum resources, 5G routers have theoretical peak rates up to 20 Gbps, with real-world speeds typically ranging from 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps, significantly higher than 4G.
- 4G routers: Based on LTE and WiMAX technologies, 4G has theoretical peak rates up to 1 Gbps, but typical real-world speeds are between 20 and 100 Mbps. While sufficient for most daily applications, 4G may be limited for high-bandwidth scenarios such as HD video streaming and large file downloads.
3. Signal coverage
- 5G routers: Because 5G uses higher frequency bands, its coverage area is relatively smaller. At the same transmit power, a 5G signal may not travel as far as a 4G signal. 5G signals are also more susceptible to physical obstructions such as walls and buildings.
- 4G routers: Operate at lower frequencies with better penetration, enabling broader coverage. This makes 4G advantageous in scenarios requiring large-area coverage or where physical obstacles exist.
4. Latency and capacity
- 5G routers: Employ advanced modulation and multiple access techniques, reducing network latency. Theoretical latency can be as low as 1 ms, which benefits real-time interactive applications such as video conferencing and remote control. 5G also supports higher device densities, allowing more simultaneous connections.
- 4G routers: Have higher latency, typically tens of milliseconds. While adequate for most applications, 4G may be insufficient for latency-critical cases such as remote surgery or autonomous driving. 4G also supports fewer simultaneous device connections.
In summary, 5G and 4G routers differ significantly in frequency, speed, coverage, latency, and capacity. When selecting a router, consider the specific requirements of the deployment, such as the network environment, application scenarios, and device compatibility.
