2024.12.06

What are the equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm QCN5021?

The Qualcomm QCN5021 is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Wi-Fi System on Chip (SoC) that supports dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), with features such as OFDMA, MU-MIMO, TWT (Target Wake Time), and beamforming. It is designed for high-performance Wi-Fi applications like routers, access points, and mesh systems. Additionally, it supports advanced security protocols like WPA3 and provides high-speed Wireless Communication with efficient power management, making it suitable for home networking and small business environments.


If you are looking for equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm QCN5021, you would be interested in Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) solutions with dual-band support, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and beamforming, typically used in consumer routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems. Below are several alternatives that offer similar capabilities:


1. Broadcom BCM6755

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Features:

    • Supports OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT (Target Wake Time).

    • Provides high-speed throughput and low latency for modern home networks.

    • Features advanced security with support for WPA3.

  • Applications: Used in Wi-Fi routers, mesh systems, and high-performance access points.

  • Advantages: Broadcom is well-known for high-performance wireless solutions, providing a solid alternative with excellent power efficiency and throughput.


2. MediaTek Filogic 830

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Features:

    • Supports OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT.

    • Integrated advanced QoS and Wi-Fi 6 security features.

    • High throughput and low-latency operation for demanding networking environments.

  • Applications: Found in routers, access points, Wi-Fi mesh systems, and smart home hubs.

  • Advantages: MediaTek’s Wi-Fi 6 solutions are cost-effective with excellent performance for consumer-grade networking devices.


3. Qualcomm QCN5024

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Features:

    • Supports OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT for high-efficiency operation.

    • WPA3 and other advanced security features.

    • Designed for high-performance routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems.

  • Applications: Used in high-performance routers, access points, and mesh systems.

  • Advantages: A Qualcomm alternative to the QCN5021, offering similar Wi-Fi 6 features and performance in consumer networking devices.


4. Intel WAV500

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Features:

    • Supports OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT.

    • Advanced security features like WPA3 and TLS encryption.

    • Designed to handle high-speed data traffic and low-latency applications.

  • Applications: Found in routers, mesh systems, and high-performance access points.

  • Advantages: Intel offers reliable performance, with optimized solutions for enterprise and consumer wireless networking devices.


5. Marvell 88W9068

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Features:

    • Supports OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT.

    • Provides advanced security features including WPA3 and high-speed operation.

    • Power efficiency and optimized performance for mesh and home routers.

  • Applications: Used in consumer routers, access points, and Wi-Fi mesh solutions.

  • Advantages: Marvell's Wi-Fi 6 solutions are known for solid integration in high-performance consumer products.


6. Broadcom BCM6750

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Features:

    • OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT support.

    • Enhanced QoS and WPA3 security.

    • High-speed throughput, low latency, and energy-efficient design.

  • Applications: Suitable for Wi-Fi routers, mesh systems, and high-performance network devices.

  • Advantages: Broadcom’s high-performance Wi-Fi solutions are optimized for consumer networking products with exceptional throughput.


7. Qualcomm QCA6390

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

  • Features:

    • Supports OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT.

    • High-speed throughput with advanced power management.

    • Full support for WPA3 and advanced security protocols.

  • Applications: Found in Wi-Fi routers, home gateways, mesh Wi-Fi systems, and enterprise networks.

  • Advantages: Qualcomm’s solutions like the QCA6390 provide high reliability and integration, making it suitable for both consumer and enterprise environments.


Key Considerations:

  • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): All of the alternative solutions listed support Wi-Fi 6, which provides significant improvements over previous generations like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), including better throughput, lower latency, and improved performance in high-density environments.

  • OFDMA and MU-MIMO: These technologies allow for better network efficiency, especially in multi-device environments (e.g., smart homes or offices), making them critical for modern Wi-Fi networks.

  • Beamforming: This feature improves signal strength and range by directing the signal toward devices, enhancing overall network performance and coverage.

  • Target Wake Time (TWT): TWT helps manage power consumption in IoT and Mobile Devices by scheduling times for devices to wake up and communicate, improving battery life.

  • Security: Support for WPA3 ensures that the devices are protected with the latest security protocols.


Conclusion:

The Qualcomm QCN5021 is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) solution offering dual-band operation with support for OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and TWT. Equivalent solutions from other manufacturers, such as Broadcom BCM6755, MediaTek Filogic 830, Marvell 88W9068, Intel WAV500, and Qualcomm’s own QCN5024, provide similar features with high throughput, low latency, and advanced power management, making them suitable for high-performance routers, mesh Wi-Fi systems, and access points. Your choice would depend on specific requirements like performance, integration, cost, and available features.