To connect to the Internet from home, it is usual to have contracted fiber optics. This allows you to access the network via Wi-Fi or via cable. However, there is also the option of 5G. We could buy a compatible router and connect through mobile coverage. But what differences are there in terms of speed? With which option could we navigate faster? We are going to talk about it in this article.
Without a doubt, the speed we reach today is much greater than a few years ago. Fiber optics are faster than ADSL, as well as 5G faster than 3G or 4G. When comparing both, things are not so simple. In fact, as we are going to explain to you, there are cases in which one option may be of interest, while, on other occasions, the other.
Speed differences between fiber and 5G
First of all, we must talk about fiber optics. Currently, symmetrical 1 Gbps rates are very common. Although there are lower rates, 300 Mbps or 600 Mbps, for example, we can say that 1 Gbps is very popular. However, we can already see rates that reach 10 Gbps.
Regarding 5G, theoretically we could reach 20 Gbps. But of course, that is under optimal conditions that we can rarely achieve. However, it is common to get closer to 1 Gbps of symmetrical speed even inside the home. Of course, once again, it is important that the coverage arrives correctly, since otherwise we could have less.
Therefore, in general terms, we can say that there are not excessive differences between connecting with fiber optics or 5G at home, as long as we talk about the most common fiber rate, which could be 1 Gbps, and having good 5G coverage, which allows reach 1 Gbps or almost. In this sense, under favorable conditions, there would not be so much difference. Another thing is if you contract 10 Gbps fiber.
Now, when you could find differences is when connecting the devices wirelessly. If you connect your mobile phone to the router via Wi-Fi, for example, you could have a very limited speed if you go too far away. On the other hand, with 5G you are more likely to maintain similar coverage throughout the home and be able to have faster speeds than Wi-Fi in many cases.
Stability
We have talked about the top speed, what we could achieve, in more or less optimal conditions, in both cases. There, as you have seen, there are hardly any differences. However, there is a very important factor which is stability. Here we can find differences and that can be decisive.
If we talk about stability, optical fiber is more stable. The normal thing is that you do different speed tests, on different days, and you always have more or less the same. On the other hand, 5G will depend on several factors. There may be greater saturation at certain times, the coverage may not reach all rooms in your house in the same way, etc.
We can say, in short, that fiber optics is more stable than 5G, although both can offer a very similar speed, as long as the conditions are suitable. What to choose? Well, it will also depend on what you need. 5G has the advantage that you will be able to take your connection outside the home.
