Qualcomm’s WiFi 7 SoCs – IPQ5322 and IPQ5424-Empower Next-Generation Wireless

As digital transformation and the Internet of Everything accelerate, Wi-Fi has evolved from a simple convenience to mission-critical infrastructure. Starting in 2024, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) enters commercial deployment, bringing groundbreaking features like ultra-high bandwidth, low latency, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). These innovations unlock new possibilities in high-density, high-demand networking environments.

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Qualcomm's IPQ5322 and IPQ5424 SoCs are purpose-built for this evolution, targeting mid-range and high-performance markets respectively. This article provides an in-depth look at their architecture, wireless capabilities, system performance, I/O design, software support, and real-world applications.

1. Architecture: Built for Wi-Fi 7 from the Ground Up

• IPQ5322: Designed for dual-band Wi-Fi 7 routers or cost-sensitive mesh devices, focusing on energy efficiency and simplicity.

• IPQ5424: A premium-tier SoC in the Qualcomm Pro 820 series, featuring a 6nm process and powerful CPU cores for advanced applications like enterprise APs, 5G backhaul nodes, and high-performance mesh routers.

2. Wireless Capabilities: Full Wi-Fi 7 Feature Set

✅ Wi-Fi 7 Feature Support

📡 RF Configuration

• IPQ5322: Integrated 2×2@2.4GHz + 2×2@5GHz radios, no external RF needed—ideal for simplified hardware BOM.

• IPQ5424: Supports 4×4@2.4GHz + 4×4@5GHz + 4×4@6GHz via external radios like QCN9274 or QCN6274, delivering up to 18Gbps peak PHY rate—perfect for high-density, tri-band applications.

3. Processing Power & Interfaces: Designed for Performance

💻 CPU and Network Acceleration

• IPQ5322: Dual-core CPU is sufficient for NAT, firewall, QoS, and smart home gateway use.

• IPQ5424: High-performance design enables advanced packet processing, DPI, SD-WAN, and integration with edge AI.

🔌 I/O and Expansion

4. Software Ecosystem: Ready for OpenWRT and OpenWiFi

• IPQ5322 is already supported in several OpenWRT branches and is ideal for open-source routers, IoT gateways, and SMB APs.

• IPQ5424 is being actively integrated into the OpenWiFi ecosystem, with strong support from ODMs like Wallys, Edgecore, and Hawkeye. It runs on Qualcomm’s SDK 7.x and supports SDN/NFV-based cloud management architectures.

5. Deployment Scenarios

6. Featured Products Based on IPQ5322 / IPQ5424

IPQ5322-based devices:

• Wallys DR531

• AsiaRF AW7916-NPD

• GL.iNet Wi-Fi 7 entry-level routers (in development)

IPQ5424-based devices:

• Wallys DR54X9 (tri-band design)

• Edgecore EAP107 series enterprise APs

• Carrier-grade 5G backhaul CPEs (with QCN9274 RF module)

Many manufacturers have recognized IPQ5424 as the go-to tri-band Wi-Fi 7 platform, especially for markets prioritizing 6GHz support such as North America, Europe, Japan, and South Korea.

7. Conclusion: A Flexible SoC Duo for All Wi-Fi 7 Needs

Qualcomm’s dual-chip strategy with the IPQ5322 and IPQ5424 enables developers and OEMs to address both cost-sensitive and performance-critical Wi-Fi 7 markets:

• IPQ5322 targets entry-level and mid-range dual-band deployments with integrated radios.

• IPQ5424 offers unmatched flexibility and speed for tri-band, enterprise-class, or industrial-grade networks.

The key to selecting between these SoCs lies in the deployment scenario: does the project require tri-band operation, 6GHz capability, ultra-high bandwidth, or multi-node mesh support? Understanding those real-world requirements is the foundation for choosing the optimal Wi-Fi 7 chipset.