The Qualcomm QCA9986 is a high-performance wireless chip typically used for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) systems, supporting dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), and advanced features like beamforming and MU-MIMO. If you are looking for equivalent chips, here are some potential alternatives from different manufacturers that offer similar capabilities:

1. Broadcom

Broadcom is another major player in the Wi-Fi chipset market, and their offerings in the Wi-Fi 5 range could serve as direct competitors to the QCA9986.

• Broadcom BCM43684: This is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) chip that supports MU-MIMO and similar features. It’s used in various routers and wireless devices.

• Broadcom BCM43602: Another Wi-Fi 5 chip supporting dual-band operation, with high-performance features like beamforming and MIMO.

  
  

2. MediaTek

MediaTek also offers a range of Wi-Fi 5 chips, and their solutions could be similar to the QCA9986 in terms of functionality.

• MediaTek MT7615: This chip supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and is designed for home routers, access points, and other networking devices, offering features such as MU-MIMO and beamforming.

• MediaTek MT7622: While it primarily supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), some higher-end versions of this chipset also include dual-band support and can be considered as alternatives in lower-end applications.

  
  

3. Intel

Intel produces high-performance wireless solutions as well, and their chips can serve as alternatives for systems where Intel's other features are preferred.

• Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265: A Wi-Fi 5 chip supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, along with MU-MIMO and beamforming.

• Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9260: A high-performance dual-band Wi-Fi 5 chip with similar features to the QCA9986.

  
  

4. Realtek

Realtek has a variety of wireless solutions, though they are generally seen in consumer-grade products.

• Realtek RTL8814AU: A dual-band Wi-Fi 5 chipset supporting MU-MIMO and beamforming. It’s designed for routers and access points.

• Realtek RTL8822BE: While more of an entry-level solution, this Wi-Fi 5 chip supports dual-band functionality and is typically found in consumer-grade networking products.

  
  

5. Cavium (now part of Marvell)

Cavium, which is now part of Marvell, has offered high-performance networking solutions, especially in enterprise-class devices.

• Marvell Avastar 88W8897: A wireless chipset offering dual-band Wi-Fi with advanced features like MU-MIMO and beamforming, similar to what the QCA9986 offers.

  
  

6. NXP (formerly Freescale)

NXP offers wireless solutions in the industrial and embedded markets, and their products might also be considered for use in some systems.

• NXP KW41Z: This is more of a Bluetooth and ZigBee solution, but NXP offers other wireless solutions in the Wi-Fi range for similar use cases.

These alternative ICs should provide comparable performance and features to the Qualcomm QCA9986, with options that can work across various types of consumer or enterprise Wi-Fi systems. Keep in mind that specific feature sets like MU-MIMO, beamforming, and compatibility with certain Wi-Fi standards (such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6) will vary by the chip.