What is 5G CPE？

What's CPE?

The full name of CPE is Customer Premise Equipment. Its function is to convert mobile signals (4G, 5G, etc.) or wired broadband signals into LAN signals for user devices.

CPE generally appears in two situations.

One is that the private line of broadband access network for governments and enterprises, usually comes together with such a device.

The other is 5G CPE, which has gradually become popular in recent years.

5G CPE

What's 5G CPE?

5G CPE is a type of 5G terminal equipment. It receives 5G signal from operator's base station, and then converts it into Wi-Fi or wired signal, allowing more local devices (mobile phones, tablets, computers) to access the internet.

As you can see, 5G CPE is very similar to the function of "Optical Modem" for fiber broadband access at home.

Optical Modem for fiber broadband access

What's the advantage of 5G CPE over Optical Modem?

In fact, "Optical Modem" is a type of CPE. The difference between "Optical Modem" and 5G CPE is that the former connects up to an operator's fiber access network equipment, while 5G CPE connects to a 5G base station.

Then, the question is, now that we have "Optical Modem", why do we need 5G CPE? Will 5G CPE replace "Optical Modem"?

Let's start with the conclusion: of course not.

The current 5G CPE products all use the same or similar 5G chips as 5G mobile phones, have strong 5G connectivity, support SA/NSA networking, and are compatible with 4G/5G signals. In terms of speed, 5G CPE is comparable to "Optical Modem".

We can say that 5G CPE is an enhanced version of "Optical Modem".

The advantages of 5G CPE are mobility and flexibility.

Unlike conventional "Optical Modem" that can only be used in a fixed place, 5G CPE can be "mobile". Wherever there is 5G signal, 5G CPE can be used.

For example, when our family goes to a suburban villa for vacation, we can use 5G CPE to set up a Wi-Fi 6 high-speed hotspot, so that all family members can access to internet and share videos in social networks.

For another example, when a team of a company go out for an event or to participate in an exhibition, 5G CPE can be used to facilitate employees and customers to access the internet.

Even if you are going to set up a street stall, you can also bring CPE, which is equivalent to bringing a fiber optic broadband with you.

The flexibility of 5G CPE lies in service provisioning.

The traditional fiber broadband is relatively easy to activate. Go to the business hall to apply for a package and you can activate it. But cancellation is more troublesome. Basically, the current broadband services have an agreement period. If the agreement period is not over, the service cannot be terminated at will.

In case you need to move, it is also very troublesome to handle the relocation of the fiber broadband.

As for 5G CPE, as long as you have a 5G mobile data card (currently the internet data card is very cheap), you can surf the internet at high speed.

Card slot on CPE

For young people who rent an apartment, and small businesses’ need to have internet access for their offices, 5G CPE is an ideal choice because of its mobility, fast internet service enrollment and termination.

5G CPE is also suitable for remote areas or places with complex terrain where fiber is hardly available.

In fact, many regions around the world have started to use CPE since long before because of the large area and sparse population. They use outdoor CPE to receive signals from base stations, and convert them to local signals to have internet access.

Fixed wireless access (FWA)

Outdoor CPE

In short, 5G CPE combines the low-cost advantage of Wi-Fi and the large bandwidth of 5G, and thus provides a competitive alternative to traditional fiber broadband.

5G CPE will act as smart home gateway

In addition to providing internet access, 5G CPE will also act as a home smart gateway in the future.

The home router market has always been the focus of competition among many manufacturers, not only because the router itself brings revenue, but also because it is the gateway to the entire family's network traffic and the basic platform for home digital applications. 5G CPE plays the same role as routers. It will be the "smart gateway" for future 5G homes and the fulcrum of the whole family's smart life.

Through 5G CPE, users can control a variety of smart devices in the home, which not only realizes the interconnection of everything, but also significantly improves the life experience of family members.

5G CPE has big potential in enterprise market

In addition to consumer market, 5G CPE also has very broad application prospects in enterprise market.

Take smart factory as an example. In the future, all the equipment and materials of the factory will be networked. 5G CPE can be used as a hub in a certain area (such as workshop), providing low-cost, high-speed network connections for all devices.

To meet the needs of increasing application scenarios, 5G CPE will support more communication protocols (such as Bluetooth, UWB, etc.) in addition to 5G, and truly become the management and control center of all devices.

Apart from network connection, 5G CPE will also integrate edge computing and provide computing power support for related equipment.

5G CPE is booming

All in all, 5G CPE is very important for home and business.

As 5G network construction is fully rolled out, more and more places are covered with 5G signals. The demand for 5G CPE will definitely continue to increase, and there will be more and more application scenarios surrounding 5G CPE.