IPQ9574 vs IPQ8074: Key Differences Between Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 SoCs

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IPQ9574 vs IPQ8074: Key Differences Between Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 SoCs

As Wi-Fi technology continues to evolve, Qualcomm remains a leader in delivering cutting-edge networking platforms for industrial and enterprise applications. Two of its flagship SoCs — IPQ8074 (Wi-Fi 6) and IPQ9574 (Wi-Fi 7) — represent major milestones in wireless innovation. While both offer strong performance, their capabilities and target use cases are quite different.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between IPQ8074 and IPQ9574, helping you determine which one best suits your next wireless project.

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1. Overview: Wi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7

The Qualcomm IPQ8074 was one of the earliest high-performance SoCs designed for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). It introduced key features like OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM, which significantly improved throughput and efficiency in dense networks.

The Qualcomm IPQ9574, part of the Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) generation, pushes wireless technology to new limits. It supports 320 MHz channel bandwidth, 4096-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) — enabling ultra-fast, reliable, and low-latency connections ideal for industrial and next-generation applications.

FeatureWi-Fi 6 (IPQ8074)Wi-Fi 7 (IPQ9574)
Wi-Fi Standard802.11ax802.11be
Max Channel Bandwidth160 MHz320 MHz
Max Modulation1024-QAM4096-QAM
Multi-Link Operation (MLO)❌✅
Max ThroughputUp to 6.9 GbpsUp to 10+ Gbps
Latency< 10 ms< 2 ms
Application FocusEnterprise / CarrierIndustrial / Next-Gen Networking

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2. Processing Power and Architecture

The IPQ8074 is built on a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU, offering reliable performance for enterprise access points and carrier-grade routers.

The IPQ9574 takes a leap forward with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 processor, delivering higher clock speeds and better efficiency. This performance boost enables smoother handling of demanding applications like real-time video transmission, AI-driven optimization, and industrial automation.

ComponentIPQ8074IPQ9574
CPUQuad-core ARM Cortex-A53Quad-core ARM Cortex-A73
Clock SpeedUp to 2.2 GHzUp to 2.6 GHz
Fabrication Process14 nm6 nm
Memory SupportDDR4DDR5

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3. Wireless Features and Performance

Wi-Fi 7 introduces a major innovation: Multi-Link Operation (MLO). This feature allows the IPQ9574 to transmit data across multiple bands (for example, 5 GHz + 6 GHz) simultaneously, enhancing reliability and reducing latency.

Meanwhile, the IPQ8074, while powerful, handles each frequency band independently — suitable for most enterprise uses but less efficient for high-throughput or latency-sensitive environments.

Advantages of IPQ9574:

• 320 MHz bandwidth for double the data capacity.
• 4096-QAM for up to 20% higher peak rates.
• Improved spectral efficiency and reduced interference.
• Lower power consumption per bit transmitted.
  
  

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4. Target ApplicationsApplicationIPQ8074IPQ9574
Enterprise Access Points✅✅
Outdoor CPEs✅✅
Industrial IoT Gateways⚪✅
Smart City Infrastructure⚪✅
5G Backhaul and Edge Nodes⚪✅
High-Performance Mesh Networks⚪✅

In summary:

• The IPQ8074 is a proven platform for Wi-Fi 6 enterprise and carrier applications.
• The IPQ9574 is designed for Wi-Fi 7 next-generation industrial, IoT, and high-performance networking.
  
  

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5. Development Flexibility

Both platforms support Qualcomm’s QSDK software framework, which integrates OpenWrt and allows deep system-level customization for OEM and ODM partners.

The IPQ9574 offers extended flexibility in managing multi-band coordination, network slicing, and performance tuning — giving developers more control to tailor devices for specific industrial or commercial use cases.

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6. Comparison SummarySpecificationIPQ8074IPQ9574
Wi-Fi Standard802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)802.11be (Wi-Fi 7)
CPU4× Cortex-A534× Cortex-A73
Max Channel Bandwidth160 MHz320 MHz
Max Modulation1024-QAM4096-QAM
MLO Support❌✅
Memory TypeDDR4DDR5
Typical ApplicationsEnterprise / CarrierIndustrial / High-Density / Edge Networking

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7. Wallys Wi-Fi 7 Hardware Solutions

Wallys Communications is among the early adopters to launch Qualcomm IPQ9574-based router boards, providing a reliable foundation for industrial-grade Wi-Fi 7 products.

Our DR9574 Router Board integrates:

• Qualcomm IPQ9574 SoC
• Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 support (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz)
• M.2 expansion slots for modular Wi-Fi cards
• Customizable hardware and software support for OEM/ODM/JDM projects
  
  

Whether you’re upgrading from Wi-Fi 6 or building a new Wi-Fi 7 solution from scratch, Wallys provides high-performance hardware and flexible integration options to fit your product roadmap.

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Conclusion

The evolution from IPQ8074 (Wi-Fi 6) to IPQ9574 (Wi-Fi 7) demonstrates Qualcomm’s strong commitment to advancing wireless technology. With major upgrades in processing power, spectrum efficiency, and latency, the IPQ9574 sets a new standard for industrial and high-performance networking applications.

For manufacturers and developers seeking future-ready Wi-Fi 7 hardware, the IPQ9574 platform delivers the speed, flexibility, and scalability needed for tomorrow’s connected world.

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Contact WallysTo learn more about Wallys DR9574 router board or explore customized Wi-Fi 7 solutions, contact us today:
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