The Difference Between 5G CPE and WiFi Router

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.

5G CPE

What's WiFi Router?

WiFi Router is also called Wireless Router or Access Point.

A WiFi router is equivalent to a WiFi signal emitter. It connects directly to a modem, a router or a switch by a cable. This allows it to receive information from — and transmit information to — the internet. Mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other devices can receive its WiFi signals and then connect to the Internet. 

What's the Difference Between 5G CPE and WiFi Router?

As illustrated above, a 5G CPE is actually the combination of a 5G modem and a WiFi router. With a 5G CPE independently, devices can access to internet directly through WiFi signal or LAN ports of the CPE. Of course, a 5G SIM card is required to insert into the SIM card slot of the CPE. However, a WiFi router will not be able to provide internet access without connecting to a modem or router through a cable.

To provide users with more flexibility and reliability, many 5G CPE routers support not only 5G network and 4G LTE network, but also come with WAN Ethernet port for Internet access. And for local network, WiFi 6, WiFi 5 and LAN ports are usually supported. Some models, such as Hocell 5G CPE M121, are also equipped with telephone port to provide VoLTE/VoNR voice service.