IPQ5322 and IPQ5018 SoCs in Tri-Band Router Design Comparative Analysis

wifi6

Comparative Analysis of IPQ5322 and IPQ5018 SoCs in Tri-Band Router DesignAs Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 technologies continue to evolve, tri-band routers (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz) have become the mainstream solution for high-end home networking and enterprise deployments. Qualcomm’s IPQ5322 and IPQ5018 are two widely used SoC platforms in these scenarios. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the two chips in terms of architecture, wireless capabilities, scalability, power consumption, and cost-effectiveness, helping developers select the most suitable platform for tri-band router designs.

---

1. Basic Specifications ComparisonFeatureIPQ5322IPQ5018
CPUQuad-core Cortex-A53 @ 2.0GHzDual-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.0GHz
Process14nm14nm
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Network InterfacesIntegrated 2.5G MAC, multi-port supportIntegrated 1G MAC
Wi-Fi Interfaces3x PCIe 3.0 for tri-band expansion2x PCIe 3.0/2.0 for dual/tri-band (external radios required)
Acceleration EngineNSS (Network Subsystem)No NSS
Software SupportOpenWRT/OpenWiFi (in progress)Mature OpenWRT/OpenWiFi support
Operating TempCommercial/Industrial grade availableCommercial grade / partial industrial support
Typical Use CasesWi-Fi 7 tri-band routers, high-performance CPEsWi-Fi 6 tri-band Mesh, outdoor APs, CPEs

---

2. Tri-Band Design Capability ComparisonAdvantages of IPQ5322:

• Full Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Architecture: Supports three PCIe interfaces for connecting QCN9274/QCN6274/QCN6224 radios for 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz respectively, enabling true Wi-Fi 7 tri-band design.
• High-Performance CPU with Network Acceleration: The 4-core CPU paired with NSS ensures excellent performance for NAT, IPSec, VPN, and other network tasks, suitable for enterprise-grade applications.
• Future-Ready Expandability: Supports 2.5GbE interfaces and 5G modules (e.g., SDX62/SDX55), making it ideal for next-gen converged CPE devices.
• Industrial Use Ready: Industrial-grade version supports wide temperature ranges, ideal for harsh environments like mining and warehouses.
  

Advantages of IPQ5018:

• Cost-Effective and Highly Integrated: Compact design ideal for mid-range and budget products; supports 2.4G and 5G/6G dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with an optional third radio for tri-band.
• Mature Software Support: Well-supported by the OpenWRT and OpenWiFi communities, enabling rapid prototyping and commercial deployment.
• Low Power Consumption: Suitable for PoE-powered or outdoor AP deployments with power constraints.
• Compact Packaging: Ideal for space-constrained designs such as wall-mounted, compact CPEs, or outdoor enclosures.
  

---

3. Tri-Band Design RecommendationsIPQ5322 Tri-Band Configuration:BandRadio ChipNotes
2.4GHzQCN62242x2 MIMO, low power
5GHzQCN62744x4 MIMO, high throughput
6GHzQCN92744x4 MIMO, full Wi-Fi 7 experience

• Supports 320MHz bandwidth on 6GHz
• Enables Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
• Ideal for high-end home routers, enterprise Mesh, or advanced CPE
  

IPQ5018 Tri-Band Configuration:BandRadio ChipNotes
2.4GHzBuilt-in or QCN61022x2 MIMO
5GHzQCN6102/QCN61222x2 MIMO
6GHzQCN6122 (external)2x2 MIMO, Wi-Fi 6E supported

• Excellent cost control, suitable for large-scale Mesh or hotspot deployments
• Supports Wi-Fi 6 + Wi-Fi 6E, enabling a smooth transition to tri-band designs
  

---

4. Conclusion & RecommendationsUse CaseRecommended SoCRationale
High-Performance Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band RoutersIPQ5322Wi-Fi 7 support, NSS acceleration, multi-band coordination
Cost-Effective Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6 RoutersIPQ5018Lower cost, lower power, solid community support
Outdoor CPE / Mesh APIPQ5018Compact, PoE-friendly, robust environmental performance
Industrial/Carrier-Grade Wi-Fi 7 APsIPQ5322Industrial temperature support, flexible RF configuration, 5G-ready

---

5. SummaryWhile both IPQ5322 and IPQ5018 are Qualcomm SoC platforms, they are tailored for different market segments. The IPQ5322 targets performance-first, high-speed, multi-band enterprise and carrier-grade solutions, whereas the IPQ5018 focuses on low-cost, power-efficient, and flexible deployments.
When designing tri-band Wi-Fi router boards, developers should select the appropriate platform based on the product’s positioning, target market, and feature requirements.
If you need more information such as development boards, driver status, or BOM cost analysis, feel free to contact us for additional engineering resources and reference designs.