IPQ9570 and IPQ5322 power the next-generation routers - Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 chip du ...

 Here is the English translation of the article about Qualcomm IPQ9570 and IPQ5322 chipsets: Qualcomm IPQ9570 vs. IPQ5322: Two Strategies for Wi-Fi 7 Platforms

As the Wi-Fi 7 standard continues to mature, the network infrastructure industry is entering a new era of ultra-high-speed connectivity. Qualcomm, as a global leader in wireless chipset technology, has introduced several embedded platforms supporting Wi-Fi 7. Among them, the IPQ9570 and IPQ5322 stand out as two key solutions, each with distinct positioning and technical characteristics. Although both support the latest 802.11be protocol, they differ significantly in architecture, performance level, and target applications. This article provides a detailed analysis of these two platforms to help developers and product teams make informed hardware choices.

1. Architecture and Performance

The IPQ9570 is a high-end flagship platform equipped with a quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A73 processor running at up to 2.2GHz. It offers powerful computing and data throughput capabilities, making it ideal for high-density, high-concurrency networking scenarios. In contrast, the IPQ5322 adopts a quad-core Cortex-A53 architecture with a clock speed of up to 1.5GHz, targeting the mid-range market where power efficiency and cost optimization are more critical.

The IPQ9570 also integrates a more advanced network acceleration subsystem (NSS), enabling hardware-level packet processing and encryption offloading, which helps relieve CPU load in demanding applications. While the IPQ5322 also supports basic hardware acceleration, it is more suitable for moderate traffic conditions.

2. Wireless Capabilities

Both chipsets support the core features of Wi-Fi 7, including 320MHz bandwidth, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and enhanced modulation schemes. However, the IPQ9570 is designed to work with high-end multi-stream Wi-Fi 7 radios such as the QCN9274 or QCN9074, making it suitable for enterprise-grade routers, tri-band mesh systems, or outdoor APs. On the other hand, the IPQ5322 is commonly paired with more compact Wi-Fi 7 modules like the QCN6224 or QCN6024, typically used in dual-band mesh nodes or entry-level routers.

Although the IPQ5322 also supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, it is often deployed in dual-band configurations to reduce cost. The IPQ9570, with its higher processing power and I/O capacity, is more suitable for full tri-band implementations.

3. Interfaces and Expansion

In terms of I/O expansion, the IPQ9570 offers more flexibility with multiple PCIe Gen3 lanes, support for 2.5G and even 10G Ethernet interfaces, USB 3.0, and compatibility with up to 4GB DDR4 or LPDDR4 memory. These features make it ideal for designs that require multiple wireless modules or high-speed wired connections.

The IPQ5322, by comparison, has a more compact set of interfaces. It supports up to 2.5G Ethernet, USB 3.0, and DDR3L or LPDDR3 memory, which are more suitable for low-power, cost-sensitive embedded designs.

4. Application Scenarios

The IPQ9570 is best suited for enterprise, industrial, or carrier-grade Wi-Fi devices, such as high-end routers, outdoor wireless access points, and campus or smart city nodes. Its strong CPU performance and wireless throughput make it the preferred platform in scenarios that demand high reliability, large-scale connections, and advanced management features.

The IPQ5322, on the other hand, fits well into mid-tier markets. It’s ideal for home Wi-Fi 7 routers, dual-band mesh systems, or wireless setups for small retail or office environments. It provides essential Wi-Fi 7 functionality while significantly reducing the overall BOM cost, making it perfect for product lines targeting mass deployment.

5. Software Support and Ecosystem

Both platforms are supported by Qualcomm’s official SDK (QSDK), OpenWRT, and some versions are being integrated into the OpenWiFi project. ODM vendors like WallysTech have already released reference boards based on both chipsets, complete with drivers, firmware, and tuning documentation to accelerate product development.

It’s worth noting that the IPQ9570 has broader support in open-source communities, making it more suitable for customized enterprise-level deployments. Meanwhile, the IPQ5322’s simplicity and integration make it ideal for commercial products that prioritize quick time-to-market.

Conclusion

IPQ9570 and IPQ5322 represent two strategic approaches in Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 7 chipset lineup. The former is optimized for performance and flexibility, ideal for demanding and customizable high-end devices. The latter is designed for cost-effective, efficient delivery of Wi-Fi 7 features in residential and SMB markets.

For device manufacturers, choosing the right platform depends on their product’s performance goals, target user base, and price sensitivity. Both chipsets serve their purposes well and will play key roles in accelerating the adoption of next-generation Wi-Fi technology.