5G CPE is a kind of 5G terminal equipment. It receives 5G signals from the operator's base station and converts them into WiFi or wired signals.Connect more local devices (phones, tablets, computers) to the Internet.It can be seen that 5G CPE is similar to the function of "optical network unit" for home optical broadband access.
A WiFi router is also known as a wireless router or access point.
The WiFi router acts as a Wi-Fi signal transmitter.It connects directly to the modem, router, or switch via a cable.This allows it to receive information from and transmit information to the Internet.Devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops can receive its Wi-Fi signal and then connect to the Internet.
As shown in the figure above, the 5G CPE is actually a combination of a 5G modem and a WiFi router.With an independent 5G CPE, the device can directly access the Internet through the WiFi signal or the LAN port of the CPE.Of course, the 5G SIM card needs to be inserted into the SIM card slot of the CPE.However, the WiFi router will not provide Internet access without a cable connection to the modem or router.
In order to provide users with greater flexibility and reliability, many 5G CPE routers not only support 5G networks and 4G LTE networks,It is also equipped with a WAN Ethernet port for Internet access. For local networks, WiFi 6, WiFi 5, and LAN ports are typically supported.Some models, such as the Hocell 5G CPE M111, are also equipped with a phone port to provide VoLTE/VoNR voice services.
ONU is a kind of CPE. The difference between ONU and 5G CPE is that the former is connected to optical access network equipment, while 5G CPE is connected to 5G base station.
Another question is, why do we need 5G CPE when we have ONU? Will 5G CPE replace ONU?
Let's start with the conclusion. Of course not.
Current 5G CPE products use the same or similar 5G chips as 5G mobile phones, which have strong connectivity and support SA/NSA networking.Compatible with 4G/5G signals. In terms of speed, 5G CPE is similar to ONU.
Unlike traditional ONUs, which can only be used in fixed locations, 5G CPEs can be "mobile".Where 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 5G CPE to set up Wi-Fi 6 high-speed hotspots.Make it possible for all family members to go online and share videos on social networks.
Another example is when a company is away at a trade show and it can use 5G CPE to provide Internet access to visitors and employees.
Traditional "fiber optic broadband" is relatively easy to build. You go to the sales office to apply for a package, and then you can open it.But it is more troublesome to cancel. Today's broadband services have an agreement period. You are not free to stop it before the end of the agreement period.If you need to move, you have to switch to optical fiber broadband, which is also very troublesome.As for 5G CPE, as long as you have a 5G mobile phone SIM card, you can access the Internet at high speed.
5G CPE is an ideal choice for young people who are renting houses and small businesses that need Internet services.Because of its mobility, fast Internet service registration and termination.5G CPE is also suitable for remote areas or places where the terrain is difficult and fiber is hardly available.Because of its large area and small population, CPE has been used in many parts of the world for a long time.They use 5G outdoor CPE to receive signals from base stations and convert them into raw signals to access the Internet.
5G CPE modifies 4G or 5G into a WiFi hotspot. WIFI devices can be converted through 5G CPE to access 4G or 5G networks.
Furthermore, the WIFI hotspot, including the information processing and transmission inside the CPE, is divided into two completely independent channels.The internal network channel has its own Wi-Fi, which is guarded by individuals, and also has account password verification. The external network channel is supervised and managed by the operator.Two-way authentication, remote monitoring, encrypted transmission, dynamic passwords, and strict isolation of software and some equipment.It meets the carrier-class security requirements, realizes the complete isolation of indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi, and authenticates the SIM card of the customer through the external network channel.
5G CPE can be upgraded to a small base station with both WiFi LAN and micro base station functions. The signal at the window is good, and the signal inside the vehicle is negative.Install a 5G CPE micro base station by the window at home and connect it to the power supply (or own power supply).
It can access 4G and 5G networks through CPE's external network.The telephone charges, short message charges and information charges generated by CPE are included in the number corresponding to the SIM card of the mobile phone, but not included in the CPE equipment.Peripheral WIFI devices without SIM cards, computer tablets (generally with WIFI), and without Wi-Fi can get USB user interface Wi-Fi cards.Access the 4G/5G network through the WIFI intranet, and the input number of the generated traffic charge corresponds to the SIM card of the CPE.
5G CPE micro base station, wherever you go, as long as there are 4G/5G signals by the window and mobile phones in the room.There are other terminal tools with SIM cards, as well as WIFI, which can call the Internet on standby to solve the problem of indoor invisibility.WIFI tools without SIM cards can also be used through the intranet.
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 always been the focus of competition among many manufacturers, because routers themselves bring profits.Because it is the gateway to the whole home network service and the entrance platform of digital home operation. 5G CPEs are used for the same purpose as routers.It will be the intelligent gateway of the unborn 5G family and the fulcrum of the whole family's intelligent life.
Through 5G CPE, users can control all kinds of smart devices in the home, and all things are interconnected, which significantly improves the life experience of family members.
In addition to consumer demand, 5G CPE has a very broad operational prospect in terms of enterprise demand.
Take the smart factory as an example. In the future, all the equipment and gears in the factory will be networked.5G CPE can be used as a unified flow entrance and exit for all equipment in a certain area (workshop).Provide low-cost, high-speed network connectivity for these devices.
With the increase of application scenarios, 5G CPE will support more communication protocols besides 5G (such as Bluetooth, UWB, etc.).Truly become the control center for all devices.
Urban heating monitoring, wireless monitoring of natural gas pipeline network and monitoring of urban water supply pipeline network.
All in all, 5G CPE is very important for both homes and businesses.
With the full development of 5G network construction, the coverage of 5G signals is getting farther and farther.The demand for 5G CPE will continue to increase, and there will be more and more application scenarios around 5G CPE.
