Is It Worth Replacing IPQ6010 with the More Cost-Effective IPQ5018?WiFi 6 Router ...

With the widespread adoption of WiFi 6 technology, many businesses and individual users are seeking the best balance between performance and cost. Both IPQ6010 and IPQ5018 are Qualcomm’s WiFi 6 router chips. However, IPQ5018 is gaining market attention due to its lower cost and higher cost-effectiveness. So, is it worth replacing existing IPQ6010-based solutions with IPQ5018? This article will provide an in-depth analysis from the perspectives of performance, cost, and application scenarios.

From the specifications, IPQ6010 has a higher CPU core count and clock speed, making it suitable for scenarios requiring strong computing power, such as enterprise routers or CPE devices with advanced features like deep packet inspection and QoS. On the other hand, IPQ5018 has lower computing power but supports the 6GHz band (for certain models), making it more relevant for markets that require WiFi 6E.

• IPQ6010 Application Scenarios

• High-throughput WiFi 6 networks, such as enterprises and commercial environments

• Running complex software functions like VPN, intelligent QoS, and mesh network management

• High-concurrency environments like hotels and office buildings

• IPQ5018 Application Scenarios

• Home-use and entry-level WiFi 6 routers

• Cost-sensitive markets, such as small businesses and ISP-provided CPE devices

• Low-cost solutions requiring WiFi 6E support

IPQ5018 has a lower BOM cost compared to IPQ6010, mainly due to the following factors:

• Reduced CPU cores: IPQ5018 has only dual-core Cortex-A53, whereas IPQ6010 has a quad-core design. Fewer cores result in lower power consumption and reduced cooling requirements, which helps lower material costs.

• Simplified Interfaces: IPQ5018 supports only 2x 1GbE ports, whereas IPQ6010 can support up to 5. This leads to lower PCB design complexity and reduced PHY chip costs.

• Lower Memory Requirements: IPQ5018 typically comes with 256MB–512MB RAM, whereas IPQ6010 supports higher memory configurations. The reduced memory requirement further lowers the overall cost.

If your goal is to build a high-performance WiFi 6 router with high throughput and support for multiple concurrent connections, then IPQ6010 remains the better choice. It is especially suitable for enterprise and commercial users who require stable and reliable WiFi performance.

However, if your goal is to provide an entry-level WiFi 6 solution or reduce BOM costs for price-sensitive markets, IPQ5018 is undoubtedly a more cost-effective alternative. Particularly in regions where WiFi 6E adoption is growing, IPQ5018’s support for 6GHz (on certain models) could become a key competitive advantage.

From a cost-performance perspective, if the current IPQ6010 solution is too expensive and your application does not require high computing power, switching to IPQ5018 can reduce costs while still meeting the basic needs of WiFi 6 (and even WiFi 6E). However, if performance and concurrency handling are critical, IPQ6010 remains the superior choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on target market needs and application requirements.