5G Is Not the Answer for Your MDU WiFi

When cellular companies began deploying 5G in 2019, cellular providers took note and began preparing for some of the changes expected to come with a faster, more accessible network. However, even with the advancements made by 5G, Dojo Networks® believes that on-property wired and WiFI networks will still be necessary for the foreseeable future.

MDU WiFi Service Is Typically Faster than 5G

The speed of 5G has certainly gotten a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean it’s ready to compete with MDU WiFi service. For example, the infrastructure that Dojo Networks® installs into apartment buildings, as well as the fiber between each building, has essentially unlimited capacity. We typically run an on-property network at speeds of at least 10gbps, which is more than ten times what you can expect from 5G service. 

If your MDU relies on fiber and a managed WiFi network, there’s no need to make any adjustments. Your building’s network is not only perfect for leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT), but it’s guaranteed to exceed your tenants’ expectations, especially when supported by Dojo Networks®.

As fast as 5G speeds are in comparison to previous iterations, your property's WiFi service will have a clear speed edge, even when it comes to your amenity networks. With 5G still in its infancy, trusting it for your property is a risky move. It remains to be seen what types of bandwidth caps or application limits 5G plans will have in the long run. Promises made by cellular carriers during the continued 5G rollout may still prove to be empty post-deployment.

Cellular inherently has issues in large multi-tenant properties. Due to both the inability to penetrate building materials, inability to reach top floors of tall buildings as well as the density of devices that need service in a particular area.  It doesn’t matter whether its 3G/LTE or 5G these issues still exist.

MDU Tenants and Owners Still Need Internet Providers

In recent years, it’s become apparent that the Internet is the fourth utility. Tenants rely on the Internet in much the same ways they rely on electricity, water, and gas. So, it’s vital for the Internet to be just as reliable as these other utilities. When you turn on a faucet, you expect water to come out. Internet should be no different.

Tenants expect on-property WiFi to work for a variety of devices, including:

• Laptops, desktops, tablets and phones
• Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and other personal assistants
• Smart TVs
• Smart lighting and plugs
• Video Streaming
• Video gaming

Property managers also trust on-property WiFi for a variety of devices including IOT and asset protection and monetization:

• Security cameras
• Access control
• Leak detection and auto shutoff
• Door sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Smart water heaters
• Smart HVAC systems
• Utility monitoring and re-billing

MDU Internet Services Work With 5G

If you’re concerned about your MDU Internet services being incompatible with 5G, there’s no need to fret. Dojo Networks® relies on network infrastructure that is compatible with any 5G solution, and other Internet providers likely do the same. 

Any solution we install will be able to carry and offload cellular traffic as well. Additionally, access points that we install can add CBRS cards that allow for and support 5G.

So, ultimately, there’s no need for a 5G vs. WiFi battle. Both will work together into the future to provide a seamless Internet experience for apartment buildings and other MDU properties. 

Dojo Networks® prioritizes VoIP calling traffic and also prioritizes WiFi calling making for seamless transition of your residents calls from cellular to WiFi and making sure tha the calls work flawlessly when on WiFi.