Next-generation fixed wireless access vs 5G fixed wireless: What's the difference?
You’re shopping for home internet and see options for ‘next-generation fixed wireless access’ and ‘5G fixed wireless access’—they sound similar, but are they? One could mean smoother streaming, while the other might leave you buffering.
Building on our guide to next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA), let’s dive into how it stacks up against 5G-based fixed wireless access.
What is fixed wireless? Fixed wireless, including next-generation fixed wireless access, is broadband delivered via radio signals from towers to homes. 5G fixed wireless access uses mobile 5G tech adapted for homes. While both are wireless, their designs lead to big differences in speed, reliability and coverage.
ngFWA is engineered specifically for fixed broadband performance, while 5G FWA is adapted from mobile networks. This leads to different behaviors in real-world conditions, especially with obstacles, uplink demand and consistency over distance. In other words, 5GFWA was never designed for home broadband, it is a mobile in-transit technology. ngFWA is purpose-built for home and business broadband.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between ngFWA and 5G fixed wireless access to help you choose the right fit for your home.
Understanding fixed wireless and 5G fixed wireless
Fiber
Fixed wireless is internet beamed from a nearby tower to an antenna on your home, designed specifically for stationary use. Next-generation fixed wireless access is an evolved version of fixed wireless that is purpose-built for broadband, with features like superior handling of obstacles and noise from other wireless signals.
5G fixed wireless access is based on mobile phone tech and uses similar towers, but prioritizes mobility. That makes it asymmetrical, meaning faster download speeds than upload speeds. It also isn’t optimized for fixed objects like homes. 5G is like a sports car built for quick trips, while next-generation fixed wireless access is a reliable SUV for family road trips.
Both next-generation fixed wireless access and 5G fixed wireless avoid wires, deploy quickly and use the wireless spectrum, either licensed or unlicensed, for signals. But when it comes to everyday performance, the differences become clear.
Key differences in performance and technology
Core Tech
5G uses massive MIMO, (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), with many antennas on the tower but few on the home device, making it one-sided and leading to weaker uploads and greater interference.
Next-generation fixed wireless access distributes signals on both the tower and the home device, directing signals like a focused flashlight beam (beamforming). It also blocks unwanted signals, similar to noise-canceling headphones, in a process called nulling. ngFWA uses coordinated multi-user MIMO, advanced beamforming and interference cancellation to maintain strong performance in busy environments.
Speeds and range
Next-generation fixed wireless access often delivers twice the average speed and up to eight times the average speed at the edges, with consistent speeds of 300 Mbps and more, even at distances miles away.
5G fixed wireless access can hit high peaks in speed but drops in real world tests. Its average download speed is 46 Mbps, versus 322 Mbps for next-generation fixed wireless access. It’s like 5G is shouting across a field, while next-generation fixed wireless access whispers clearly through the crowd.
Interference and reliability
5G fixed wireless access struggles in the unlicensed spectrum due to WiFi noise. Next-generation fixed wireless access cancels WiFi noise asynchronously for stable links.
As far as network growth, ngFWA has the upper hand there as well. 5G FWA performance degrades as more users join, while next-generation fixed wireless access remains consistent.
NgFWA vs 5G FWA
| ngFWA | 5G FWA | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Speed | 322 Mbps | 46 Mbps |
| Obstacle handling | Uses advanced signal processing, adaptive beamforming and interference cancellation to maintain strong performance in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight environments | Obstacles like trees or buildings can interrupt the signal |
| Capacity per tower | Speed stays consistent as more users are added | As the number of users increases, speed slows down |
| Average Speed |
ngFWA
322 Mbps |
5G FWA
46 Mbps |
| Obstacle handling |
ngFWA
Uses advanced signal processing, adaptive beamforming and interference cancellation to maintain strong performance in both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight environments |
5G FWA
Obstacles like trees or buildings can interrupt the signal |
| Capacity per tower |
ngFWA
Speed stays consistent as more users are added |
5G FWA
As the number of users increases, speed slows down |
Real world advantages and limitations
Pros of next-generation fixed wireless access
- Higher capacity: 3 times more efficient than 5G fixed wireless access, so fewer towers are needed
- Strong, stable performance: Works well for video calls, remote work and everyday home use
- Avoids obstacles: Reliable in obstructed or dense areas
- Scalable without slowdowns: Great for rural and suburban areas where fiber is slow to arrive
Pros of 5G fixed wireless
- Availability: Widely available from mobile carriers
- Quick setup: Self-installation is quick and easy
- Easy to move: Great for users who move a lot; can be easily picked up and brought to your next apartment
Cons of 5G fixed wireless
- Uplink limits: 5G often has uplink limits when the network gets too crowded
- Interference issues: 5G often has interference in unlicensed bands
- Throttling: Capacity can max out and users may see their speeds throttled
In tests, next-generation fixed wireless access outperformed 5G fixed wireless access by 7 times in download speeds and 13 times in upload speeds over similar distances.
Which is right for you?
If you need consistent high speeds for home use, especially with uploads or in areas with lots of wireless interference, next-generation fixed wireless access may be for you. For mobile integration or quick urban setup, 5G fixed wireless access might suffice—but be sure to check out reviews from actual customers.
While both ngFWA and 5G FWA are helping to bridge the digital divide, ngFWA provides more consistent performance.
Conclusion
While 5G fixed wireless access brings mobile technology to homes, next-generation fixed wireless access offers superior purpose-built performance for everyday broadband.
Curious about the best wireless option for your area? Explore availability and get connected with Astound’s advanced solutions today.
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