5G CPE is a type of 5G terminal equipment. It receives 5G signals from the operator's base station and converts them into WiFi or wired signals, allowing more local devices (cell phones, tablets, computers) to access the Internet.
As you can see, the 5G CPE is literally similar to the function of a "Optical Network Unit" for home fiber broadband access.
Vsol's 4GE+1POTS+ac WiFi+USB ONU
In fact, ONU is a kind of CPE, the difference between ONU and 5G CPE is that the former is connected to fiber access network equipment, while 5G CPE is connected to 5G base stations.
Also, the question is, why do we need 5G CPE when we have ONU, and will 5G CPE replace ONU?
Let's start with the conclusion, of course not.
Current 5G CPE products all use the same or similar 5G chips as 5G phones, with strong 5G connectivity, support for SA/NSA networking, and compatibility with 4G/5G signals. In terms of speed, 5G CPE is similar to ONU.
It can be said that 5G CPE is an enhanced interpretation of ONU.
The advantage of 5G CPE is mobility and flexibility.
Unlike conventional ONUs, which can only be used in fixed locations, 5G CPE can be "mobile". Wherever there is a 5G signal, 5G CPE can be used.
For example, when we go on a family vacation to a suburban estate, we can use the 5G CPE to set up a Wi-Fi 6 high-speed hotspot so that all family members can access the Internet and share videos on social networks.
Another example is when a company goes out to a trade show, it can use the 5G CPE to provide Internet access for visitors and employees.
5G CPE for Mobility
The flexibility of 5G CPE is reflected in the service turn-up.
Traditional "fiber optic broadband" is relatively easy to set up. You go to the sales office and apply for a package, and then you can open it. But it's more of a hassle to cancel. Today's broadband services basically have an agreement period. You can't stop it at will until the end of the agreement period.
If you need to move, you also have to switch to fiber broadband, which is also troublesome.
As for 5G CPE, as long as you have a 5G cell phone SIM card, you can access the internet at high speed.
SmileMbb 5G indoor CPE interface
For young people who are renting, and for small businesses that need internet service, 5G CPE is an ideal choice because of its mobility, fast internet service registration and termination.
5G CPE is also suitable for remote areas or places where the terrain is complex and fiber is virtually unavailable.
In fact, many areas around the world have been using CPE since long ago due to their large size and small population. they use outdoor CPE to receive signals from base stations and convert them to raw signals to access the Internet.
Smilembb 5G Outdoor CPE
In short, 5G CPE combines the low-cost benefits of WiFi with the large bandwidth of 5G, thus providing the will to compete with traditional fiber broadband.
5G CPE will act as a smart home gateway
In addition to providing Internet access, 5G CPE will also act as a smart home gateway in the future.
The demand for home routers has been the focus of competition from many vendors, not only because the router itself brings profits, but also because it is the gateway to the entire family's network services and the entry platform for digital home operations. 5G CPE will serve the same purpose as the router. It will be the smart gateway for the unborn 5G family and the fulcrum for the whole family's smart life.
Through the 5G CPE, users can control various smart devices in the home, which not only interconnects everything, but also significantly enhances the living experience of family members.
5G CPE has great possibilities in enterprise needs
In addition to consumer demand, 5G CPE has a very broad operational future in enterprise demand.
Take the smart factory as an example. In the future, all equipment and gears in a factory will be networked. 5G CPE can serve as a unified traffic entry and exit for all devices in a certain area (workshop), providing low-cost, high-speed network connectivity for these devices.
With the increase of application scenarios, 5G CPE will support more communication protocols other than 5G (such as Bluetooth, UWB, etc.) and truly become the control center for all devices.
All in all, 5G CPE is very important for both home and business.
With the full rollout of 5G network construction, 5G signal coverage is getting farther and farther. the demand for 5G CPE will definitely keep increasing, and there will be more and more application scenarios around 5G CPE.
