IPQ5322 vs. IPQ9574: Choosing the Right Chipset for Enterprise Wi-Fi
With the advent of Wi-Fi 7, enterprise networking demands chipsets that can handle high data throughput, support multiple devices, and maintain reliable performance in dense environments. Qualcomm’s IPQ5322 and IPQ9574 chipsets are both powerful options for enterprise Wi-Fi solutions, each tailored to specific use cases. In this article, we’ll compare the features, capabilities, and applications of the IPQ5322 and IPQ9574, helping you determine which is best suited for your enterprise network.
Key Specifications Overview
Feature | IPQ5322 | IPQ9574 |
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CPU | Quad ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.5 GHz | Quad ARM Cortex-A73 @ 2.2 GHz |
Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 7, 2×2 MIMO, 2.4 GHz | Wi-Fi 7, 4×4 MIMO, 6 GHz/5 GHz/2.4 GHz |
Bandwidth | Up to 2.4 Gbps | Up to 10 Gbps |
Ethernet Interface | 1x 10 Gbps USXGMII/SGMII+ | 2x 10 Gbps USXGMII |
External FEM Option | Yes | Yes |
PCIe Support | 3x1L or 1x2L + 1x1L PCIe 3.0 | 4x PCIe 3.0 (with flexible lane configuration) |
USB | USB 3.0/2.0 | USB 3.0/2.0 |
Operating Temperature | Commercial Temp (C-Temp) | Industrial Temp (I-Temp) |
Use Cases | Indoor, lower device density | High-density, high-throughput networks |
Key Differences Between IPQ5322 and IPQ9574
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Processing Power and Performance
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IPQ5322: This chipset uses a Quad ARM Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. While sufficient for many enterprise applications, it is designed for environments where network load is moderate to high rather than extremely high.
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IPQ9574: Equipped with a more powerful Quad ARM Cortex-A73 CPU running at 2.2 GHz, the IPQ9574 can handle significantly higher network demands. This makes it ideal for larger networks with many connected devices or high-throughput requirements.
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Wi-Fi and Bandwidth Capabilities
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IPQ5322: The IPQ5322 supports Wi-Fi 7 with 2×2 MIMO on the 2.4 GHz band. This limits its maximum data throughput compared to the IPQ9574, but it is still a strong choice for networks that do not require ultra-high speeds.
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IPQ9574: The IPQ9574 offers 4×4 MIMO support across multiple bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) in Wi-Fi 7, which allows it to achieve speeds up to 10 Gbps. This makes it the preferred option for high-density environments where the network needs to serve many users with minimal latency.
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Ethernet and Connectivity
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IPQ5322: Comes with a single 10 Gbps Ethernet interface, which is often adequate for smaller networks or those with moderate traffic levels.
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IPQ9574: Supports dual 10 Gbps Ethernet interfaces, allowing for high-bandwidth connections and load balancing. This is especially advantageous for enterprise Wi-Fi deployments that need to support high data flows and ensure minimal downtime.
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PCIe and Expansion Options
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IPQ5322: Supports PCIe 3.0 with options for 3x1L or 1x2L + 1x1L lanes, which provides flexibility but limits expandability for advanced modules and additional features.
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IPQ9574: Offers up to 4 PCIe 3.0 lanes with a flexible configuration, providing the scalability needed for high-performance modules, additional network cards, or other peripherals.
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Temperature and Environment Suitability
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IPQ5322: Designed for commercial temperature (C-Temp) environments, which restricts it to indoor or climate-controlled settings.
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IPQ9574: Supports industrial temperature (I-Temp) ranges, allowing it to be used in harsher environments, including outdoor enclosures, warehouses, and other areas with fluctuating temperatures. This makes it an ideal choice for enterprises needing resilient networking in challenging conditions.
Use Cases in Enterprise Wi-Fi
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IPQ5322 for Moderate-Scale Networks
The IPQ5322 is well-suited for moderate-scale networks with controlled environments, such as office spaces, retail stores, and other indoor settings. Its capabilities are ideal for small to medium enterprises where network demands are consistent but do not require the extreme throughput capabilities of the IPQ9574. The IPQ5322’s more streamlined MIMO configuration and single 10 Gbps Ethernet interface allow it to meet typical office requirements without over-investment in high-density technology. -
IPQ9574 for High-Density, High-Performance Networks
In contrast, the IPQ9574 is optimized for high-performance environments that serve a large number of users or devices, such as in corporate campuses, data centers, and warehouses. Its 4×4 MIMO and tri-band Wi-Fi 7 support make it ideal for maintaining high data rates and low latency even as network demand increases. The chipset’s support for dual 10 Gbps Ethernet interfaces and industrial-grade temperatures also makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, providing flexibility for enterprise deployments.
Choosing the Right Chipset
When deciding between the IPQ5322 and IPQ9574, consider the scale and density of your network, as well as the environmental conditions it will operate in. If your enterprise network serves a moderate number of users and operates in a controlled indoor environment, the IPQ5322 provides sufficient capabilities with a more cost-effective approach. However, for high-density applications with stringent performance requirements, especially in environments that may see temperature variations, the IPQ9574’s robust capabilities make it the superior choice.
Wallys DR9274 Network Card
For Wi-Fi 7 network applications, Wallys offers the DR9274 network card, built on Qualcomm's QCN9274 chipset. This card features 4×4 MIMO capabilities and 320 MHz channel width, ideal for enterprise and industrial use cases requiring high throughput and reliable performance.
For procurement and project consultations, please reach out to Wallys at: sales1@wallystech.com
For additional details, check the DR9274 product page.