Private 5G sales are now outpacing Wi-Fi sales, Ericsson’s Head of Enterprise 5G, Manish Tiwari, tells RCR Wireless News. He argues that private 5G has entered a phase of unmistakable momentum, fueled by high-value industrial use cases that demand deterministic performance, mobility, and strong security. Manufacturers and logistics firms are reporting rapid ROI, and for the first time, scaling private networks globally — even as Nokia steps back from parts of the market.
At the same time, though, new data from Dell’Oro shows Wi-Fi 7 is Cisco’s fastest-adopted WLAN generation ever, as enterprises race to upgrade campus networks to handle growing device density, expanding 6 GHz demands, and AI-driven workloads.
This dual momentum underscores that enterprises aren’t choosing between Wi-Fi and 5G. They’re investing in both — each filling distinct and growing performance needs. And Tiwari acknowledges this: “It is wrong to think 5G will replace Wi-Fi… both have their place.”
Follow along with us as we unpack how these parallel trends are reshaping enterprise network strategy and what comes next for 6 GHz, AI-driven networks, and industrial connectivity.
Catherine Sbeglia Nin
Managing Editor
RCR Wireless News
RCR Top Stories
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What We're Reading
Wi-Fi 7 surges at Cisco: Dell’Oro Group found that Wi-Fi 7 is Cisco’s fastest-adopted WLAN generation ever, despite the vendor being “late to the party.” Enterprises are accelerating upgrades to meet rising device density.
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Ciena’s financial results: Ciena has reported Q4 and full-year results showing steady demand for WaveLogic 6 systems, improved margins, and rising orders as operators invest in higher-capacity optical networks and AI-ready transport.
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