Connectivity for business and the Internet of Things
5G and Wi-Fi are transforming how businesses connect with physical IoT devices, such as sensors and machines, within private networks. Starting from Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi has become more carrier-grade than ever before utilizing scheduling mechanisms (OFDMA)—similar to those used in cellular networks—to deliver more deterministic and reliable connectivity, even in areas with many devices.
Private 5G can operate on unlicensed or shared spectrum, which introduces interference challenges similar to Wi-Fi. IoT devices connected via Wi-Fi are typically authenticated using methods like EAP-SIM, EAP-TLS, or EAP-TTLS, benefiting from traffic encryption over the air—just like cellular networks—thereby enhancing security for mission-critical applications.
So, which technology—Private 5G or Wi-Fi—is better suited for mission-critical applications like industrial IoT?
The Key Divide: Licensed vs. Unlicensed Spectrum
While 3GPP core networks are engineered for resilience, high-quality Wi-Fi service management systems such as Enea Aptilo Service Management System (SMP) also prove reliability at scale with over 100 operator deployments across more than 75 countries.
However, it’s important to recognize that Private 5G can operate on licensed spectrum, ensuring a higher level of control and reliability. In contrast, Wi-Fi always runs on unlicensed spectrum, making it more susceptible to interference. This distinction makes Private 5G particularly suitable for critical connectivity scenarios. For example, in automotive manufacturing, where downtime can cost an average of $1.3 million per hour, high-reliability private 5G on licensed spectrum is essential—especially when supporting high-value, high-use devices like robotic assembly line systems for Industrial IoT.
Managed Wi-Fi offers a cost-effective solution for connecting many devices where connectivity is important but not extremely mission-critical. Wi-Fi 6 introduces significant improvements in coverage, speed, and battery life for IoT applications. However, Wi-Fi faces limitations when scaling up IoT deployments—such as onboarding large numbers of devices automatically. To address this, Enea has worked in the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) together with FIDO Alliance to develop solutions that facilitate large-scale, seamless device onboarding.
Enterprises Need Both Private 5G and Wi-Fi
Enea distinguishes itself as one of the few—perhaps the only—software vendors offering core network systems for both 5G and Wi-Fi, enabling comprehensive enterprise private connectivity coverage.
Unified Private Network for Enterprises
Where there are Private 5G networks, there will also be a need for secure and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity. This is because most indoor-use devices on the market are inherently Wi-Fi-only. Mobile operators aiming to succeed in the rapidly growing Private 5G and 5G slicing market must also offer Wi-Fi connectivity to enterprise customers. This connectivity must span across different cellular generations (3G/4G/5G) and Wi-Fi.
Welcome to Enea, possibly the only software vendor providing AAA, policy control, and service management functionalities to achieve this vision of unified connectivity for enterprise customers. Enea’s solutions are capable of storing and managing data, authorizations, and access across cellular, fixed, and Wi-Fi networks. Supporting 4G/5G interworking, our proven software technology has been deployed globally in numerous commercial settings.
Telecom operators and enterprises, including system integrators and vendors, can utilize our future-proof data management technology adaptable for various verticals. Enea focuses on key capabilities such as functional scalability—from small to large-scale solutions—open interfaces (3GPP R16/17, LDAP, REST, HTTP2, Diameter, UDICOM, etc.), and specific authentication algorithms.
Our unified data management capabilities, underpinned by the Stratum Network Data Layer, ensure resilient geographical distribution and synchronization of data across all sites and networks for all users and IoT devices. The unique, award-winning Enea IoT Connectivity Control Service (IoT CCS) automates Enterprise VPNs for Private APN and provides a stateful firewall function with individual settings for each enterprise customer.
