Selection of 5G WiFi routers by operators in various countries: analysis of differences and decision-making techniques (detailed version)

Fancy Wang

With the rapid development of 5G technology, 5G WiFi routers have become important equipment for home broadband access and corporate office network construction. In order to meet the needs of different users, operators in various countries also show certain differences in the selection of 5G WiFi routers.

### Analysis of differences in operator selection across countries

1. Differences in technical standards:

*Europe and America:** Mainly adopts the 5G NR standard formulated by 3GPP, supporting Sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequency bands.

*Sub-6 GHz band:** Wide coverage, medium transmission rate, suitable for most users.

*mmWave frequency band:** High transmission rate and small coverage, suitable for users with high bandwidth requirements.

*China:** In addition to the 3GPP standard, the 5G NR-U (Red) standard has also been developed to support the Sub-6 GHz frequency band and have higher transmission rates and coverage.

*5G NR-U (Red) Standard:** Based on the 3GPP standard, optimized for China's 5G frequency band, the transmission rate can reach 2.1 Gbps and the coverage is wider.

*Japan:** Adopts 3GPP standards and localized 5G NR standards, supporting Sub-6 GHz frequency band and 28 GHz frequency band.

*28 GHz frequency band:** The transmission rate is extremely high, but the coverage is limited and suitable for specific scenarios.

2. Product function differences:

*Europe and the United States:** Operators usually choose high-end 5G CPE products that support high transmission rates, multi-band, Wi-Fi 6 and other functions.

*High transmission rate:** Meet users' needs for high-speed broadband and support applications such as video viewing and game entertainment.

*Multi-band:** Supports Sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequency bands to meet the needs of different scenarios.

*Wi-Fi 6:** Supports higher-speed wireless connections and improves network efficiency.

*China:** Operators pay more attention to the cost-effectiveness of 5G CPE products and will choose some mid-range 5G CPE products that support mainstream 5G functions and are relatively low-priced.

*Mainstream 5G functions:** Supports Sub-6 GHz frequency band, 5G NR standard, Wi-Fi 5 and other functions to meet the needs of most users.

*Lower Price:** Meet the needs of price-sensitive users and expand the market share of 5G CPE products.

*Japan:** Operators will choose 5G CPE products that support the 28 GHz frequency band to meet the needs of users with high bandwidth requirements.

*28 GHz frequency band support:** Meet the needs of users with high bandwidth requirements, such as VR/AR applications, high-definition video transmission, etc.

3. Differences in procurement models:

*Europe and the United States:** Operators usually purchase 5G CPE products through bidding and cooperate with multiple manufacturers.

*Tendering method:** Ensure fair competition in procurement and select the most cost-effective products.

*Multiple manufacturers cooperate:** Avoid supplier monopoly and obtain better products and services.

*China:** Operators usually establish long-term cooperative relationships with major domestic 5G CPE manufacturers and customize exclusive products.

*Long-term cooperative relationship:** Ensure product quality and supply stability, and reduce procurement costs.

*Customized exclusive products:** Meet the special needs of operators and improve market competitiveness.

*Japan:** Operators will choose to cooperate with local 5G CPE manufacturers in Japan to support the development of local industries.

*Cooperation with local manufacturers:** Support the development of local industries and promote technological innovation.

*Shorten the supply chain:** Reduce procurement costs and improve product response speed.

### Differences in purchasing plan decision-making technology

1. Technical Assessment:

* Operators need to evaluate the technical indicators of different 5G CPE products, including transmission rate, frequency band support, Wi-Fi version, chip performance, power consumption, etc.

*Transmission rate:** affects the user's online experience and needs to be selected according to the needs of the target users.

*Frequency band support:** It is necessary to consider the operator's 5G network deployment situation and select products that support the corresponding frequency bands.

*Wi-Fi version:** affects the performance and efficiency of the wireless network, so you need to choose a version that is compatible with the user terminal device.

*Chip performance:** It affects the stability and reliability of the product, so you need to choose chips from well-known manufacturers.

*Power consumption:** It affects the environmental protection of the product, so you need to choose products with low power consumption.

* It is necessary to consider the compatibility of 5G CPE products to ensure that they are compatible with the operator's 5G network and terminal equipment.

2. Business Valuation:

* Operators need to comprehensively evaluate the price, performance, cost, etc. of 5G CPE products and select the most cost-effective products.

*Price:** Need to consider the purchasing budget and the price sensitivity of the target users.

*Performance:** Need to balance with price and choose the most cost-effective product that meets the needs of target users.

*Cost:** Purchase costs, operating costs, maintenance costs, etc. need to be considered.

* It is necessary to consider the market demand for 5G CPE products and select products that can meet the needs of target users.

*Market demand analysis:** Understand the demand characteristics of target users, such as age, income, occupation, etc.

*Product positioning:** Determine the price, function and performance of the product based on market demand.

3. Risk Assessment:

* Operators need to conduct risk assessments on 5G CPE product suppliers, product quality, after-sales service, etc., and select reliable suppliers and products.

*Supplier evaluation:** Examine the supplier's qualifications, strength, reputation, etc.

*Product Quality Assessment:** Evaluate the reliability, stability, safety, etc. of the product.

*After-sales service evaluation:** Evaluate the supplier's after-sales service capabilities and response speed.

* It is necessary to consider the maturity and stability of 5G CPE product technology to avoid procurement risks.

*Technical Maturity:** Choose products that have been proven by the market to reduce technical risks.

*Product Stability:** Choose tested products to reduce the risk of product failure.

### Decision Technology Tools

*Network Planning Tool:** Used to evaluate the coverage and capacity of 5G CPE products.

*Forecast Coverage:** Predict the coverage of 5G CPE products based on the operator's 5G network deployment.

*Assess network capacity:** Evaluate whether 5G CPE products can meet the network needs of target users.

*Performance Test Tool:** Used to test the transmission rate, delay and other performance indicators of 5G CPE products.

*Transmission rate test:** Test the actual transmission rate of 5G CPE products and compare it with the rate advertised by the product.

*Latency Test:** Test the latency of 5G CPE products and evaluate its impact on real-time applications.

*Cost Analysis Tool:** Used to analyze the procurement cost and operating cost of 5G CPE products.

*Purchase cost analysis:** Calculate the purchase price, transportation costs, installation costs, etc. of 5G CPE products.

*Operating cost analysis:** Calculate the electricity bill, maintenance fee, after-sales service fee, etc. of 5G CPE products.

*Risk Assessment Tool:** Used to evaluate risks such as suppliers, product quality, and after-sales service of 5G CPE products.

*Supplier risk assessment:** Evaluate the supplier's financial status, reputation status, legal status, etc.

*Product quality risk assessment:** Evaluate product failure rate, return rate, complaint rate, etc.

*After-sales service risk assessment:** Evaluate the supplier's after-sales service capabilities, response speed, service attitude, etc.

## Summarize

Operators in various countries show certain differences in the selection of 5G WiFi routers, which are mainly reflected in technical standards, product functions and procurement models. When operators purchase 5G CPE products, they need to conduct technical assessment, business assessment and risk assessment, and use relevant decision-making technology tools to select the most appropriate products and suppliers.

With the continuous development of 5G technology, 5G WiFi routers will also develop in the direction of higher speed, higher performance, and smarter, providing users with a more convenient and efficient Internet connection experience.