A new 5G router from D-Link demonstrates that cellular broadband has matured into a viable alternative for locations where traditional wired connections remain unreliable or unavailable. The G572 delivers Wi-Fi 7 coverage using a Nano SIM and supports external antennas for improved signal reception. For resellers evaluating connectivity options for remote deployments or client locations with limited infrastructure, this shift merits attention when recommending solutions.
- The D-Link G572 delivers Wi-Fi 7 speeds over 4G/5G cellular networks without requiring wired broadband
- Testing produced download speeds approaching 80 Mbps with upload rates around 6 Mbps
- The router supports multiple simultaneous device connections across floors and rooms
- Premium pricing at approximately £350 positions this as a solution for specific connectivity challenges rather than mass-market adoption
- External TS-9 antenna support helps extend coverage to locations with borderline cellular signal
Performance in Real-World Use
Testing in areas with historically poor connectivity produced download speeds approaching 80 Mbps on 4G networks, with upload speeds around 6 Mbps. While falling short of fibre performance, this proved sufficient for email, web browsing, music streaming, and continued productivity during outages of primary connections. Video streaming remained challenging in weaker coverage areas, though basic web services and business applications performed adequately for most work requirements.
The router supports multiple simultaneous device connections without significant performance degradation. Testing involved two to three computers alongside smart home devices, mobile phones, and streaming hardware running concurrently. The ability to maintain connectivity across multiple floors, with the router positioned away from active device areas, addresses a common limitation of portable mobile hotspots.
The device includes four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports plus a single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for direct network integration. This flexibility allows deployment as a standalone primary connection or as a failsafe that integrates directly with existing wired infrastructure. For offices requiring smooth failover between connection types, this port configuration simplifies setup.
Why This Matters for Your Clients
The G572 represents a genuine shift in what cellular broadband can deliver for everyday connectivity needs. Historically, 5G routers served as emergency backup devices or niche solutions for locations entirely lacking wired infrastructure. Wi-Fi 7 performance changes that calculus by matching the wireless coverage capabilities of conventional home routers.
Signal-dependent performance remains the primary constraint, and this limitation will not disappear. The router cannot overcome fundamentally poor cellular coverage, but it can maximize available signal through strategic placement and external antenna support. For clients in areas with degraded copper service or unreliable fibre, the question shifts from whether cellular broadband works to whether their specific location has adequate coverage.
Pricing creates another layer of consideration. The hardware investment plus data plan costs compete directly against traditional broadband contracts. In markets where both options exist, cost-benefit analysis favors whichever service delivers more consistent performance at the lower total monthly expense. For locations without wired alternatives, the calculation simplifies to whether cellular works at all.
Resellers who understand these trade-offs can position 5G home broadband as a legitimate option rather than a compromise solution. The distinction matters when advising clients about infrastructure choices.
Practical Example
Say you manage a small business with a workshop located in an area where BT Openreach has deprioritized copper maintenance. Your team needs reliable connectivity for order management, email, and occasional video calls with suppliers. A standard broadband contract would cost roughly £30 monthly, but service has become increasingly unreliable over the past year.
A 5G router with a business data plan at approximately £20 monthly plus the hardware investment creates a viable alternative. The router's four Ethernet ports allow direct wiring for desktop computers while maintaining wireless coverage for mobile devices and tablets. If the workshop sits at the edge of cellular coverage, connecting external antennas to the TS-9 ports can boost signal strength enough to maintain consistent 4G connectivity.
This scenario plays out across numerous semi-rural business parks and industrial estates where wired infrastructure investment has not kept pace with demand. The total monthly cost may exceed traditional broadband, but reliable connectivity enables business operations that would otherwise suffer from downtime and frustration.
What to Watch Next
Cellular carriers continue expanding 5G coverage, and as mid-band spectrum deployment accelerates, download speeds will likely improve beyond current 4G performance levels. Upload speeds may also see gains as network architectures mature. Resellers should monitor local coverage maps and test signal strength at client locations before recommending cellular broadband solutions.
Key takeaways
- 5G routers now deliver Wi-Fi 7 coverage sufficient for most home and office needs where cellular signal exists
- Multiple devices can connect simultaneously without significant performance degradation
- Premium pricing limits cost-effectiveness versus wired alternatives where both options are available
- External antenna support improves viability in areas with borderline coverage
- Total cost of ownership (hardware plus data plan) should guide recommendations over any single factor
Frequently asked questions
How does 5G home broadband performance compare to traditional broadband?
Current 5G routers can approach 80 Mbps downloads with acceptable upload speeds, sufficient for typical productivity tasks but generally falling short of fibre performance in areas with strong coverage.
What equipment is needed for 5G home broadband?
A 5G-capable router with SIM card slot, a data-only mobile plan, and optional external antennas for improved signal reception in challenging locations.
Which client situations suit 5G router deployment over traditional broadband?
Remote locations without wired infrastructure, temporary offices, areas with degraded copper service, and backup connectivity scenarios all represent strong use cases for cellular broadband deployment.
How many devices can connect to a 5G router simultaneously?
The D-Link G572 handles multiple devices across floors and rooms without significant performance degradation, supporting typical household or small office loads including computers, mobile devices, and smart home hardware.
What is the main limitation of using 5G as a primary connection?
Signal-dependent performance remains the primary constraint, requiring decent cellular coverage for optimal results. Data plans and hardware costs also require evaluation against alternative connection options.