The core choice for home internet access has long since shifted from "whether to install broadband" to "whether to choose wired broadband or 5G SIM card internet." Traditional routers rely on fiber optic broadband, connecting to an optical modem via Ethernet cable to obtain network signals; while 5G CPEs are "mobile gateways" that convert 5G cellular signals into Wi-Fi, enabling whole-house internet access with a single 5G SIM card. Although both appear to provide Wi-Fi, they originate from completely different technological paths, resulting in vastly different application scenarios and user experiences.
The core advantage of traditional routers lies in "stability and high speed." Transmitting signals via fiber optics, they are unaffected by wireless interference or terrain obstructions, boasting extremely high bandwidth—currently, mainstream gigabit fiber optic broadband achieves measured download speeds of 100-120MB/s, easily supporting simultaneous multi-device connections, concurrent 4K video playback, and low-latency cloud gaming. From a technical perspective, traditional routers support direct wired network connections. For devices like smart TVs, gaming PCs, and NAS storage, wired connections offer a stable, uninterrupted transmission experience that wireless solutions struggle to match. Furthermore, fiber optic broadband offers long-term cost advantages, with monthly plans typically offering unlimited data, making it suitable for long-term, stable home use, especially in scenarios with dense device concentrations and high data demands.
However, traditional routers also have significant drawbacks: they rely on fixed cabling, meaning that once fiber optic lines are laid, the location for internet access cannot be flexibly adjusted; in homes where no network cabling was pre-installed after renovation, a single router can easily create signal dead zones, and even with a Mesh extender, wall obstructions can affect the experience; and in scenarios like rented apartments, temporary residences, or remote mountainous areas where fiber optic broadband is unavailable, traditional routers are practically useless.
The emergence of 5G CPEs perfectly addresses the flexibility limitations of traditional routers. They don't rely on fiber optics; as long as there is 5G signal coverage, simply insert a SIM card to access the internet, essentially creating a "mobile home Wi-Fi." On the hardware level, mainstream 5G CPEs incorporate multi-polarized antennas and signal amplifiers, enabling them not only to receive 5G signals but also backward compatibility with 4G networks, ensuring basic connectivity even in areas with weak signals. Some high-end models also support Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing gigabit-level wireless speeds to meet daily multimedia and office needs. The core value of 5G CPEs lies in their "scenario adaptability": renters don't need to subscribe to fixed broadband and can simply take them with them when moving; high-speed networks can be quickly established in rural and suburban areas without fiber optic coverage; they can even serve as a backup network for the home, seamlessly switching in case of fiber optic failure to ensure uninterrupted network access.
However, 5G CPEs also have limitations: they are greatly affected by 5G signal coverage, with speeds dropping significantly or even disconnecting in elevators, basements, or signal dead zones; data plans typically have data limits, leading to speed throttling after exceeding limits, making long-term high-data usage more expensive than fiber optic broadband; and the stability of wireless transmission is slightly inferior to wired connections, leaving room for optimization in scenarios with extremely high latency requirements, such as esports and professional live streaming.
In practice, scenario-based needs are the core decision-making factor: most urban families, e-sports players, and smart home users prioritize traditional routers + fiber broadband for a stable and high-speed long-term experience; renters, temporary residents, and users in remote areas find 5G CPE a more flexible option, quickly addressing their internet needs; alternatively, a "dual-network architecture" can be adopted—fiber broadband as the primary network and 5G CPE as a backup—balancing stability and emergency response capabilities. As 5G network coverage improves and costs decrease, the boundaries between 5G CPE and traditional routers are blurring, but they are not substitutes for each other; rather, they complement and coexist, jointly meeting the internet needs of different users.