Qualcomm IPQ9574 vs. IPQ9570 – Choosing the Right WiFi 7 SoC for Your Networkin

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With the rise of WiFi 7 (IEEE 802.11be), the demand for high-performance networking solutions has surged. Qualcomm’s IPQ95 series has emerged as a key player in both enterprise and consumer-grade WiFi 7 routers. Among them, the IPQ9574 and IPQ9570 are two prominent SoCs. While they share the same family, they differ significantly in CPU architecture, wireless performance, expansion capabilities, and target applications. This article provides a technical breakdown of both SoCs to help you make the right choice.

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1. CPU Architecture & Processing Power

The CPU is a critical component that influences a router's ability to handle packet processing, encryption, QoS, and network optimization.

CPU Performance Insights:

• IPQ9574’s Cortex-A73 delivers higher per-core performance, making it ideal for enterprise-grade routers handling advanced network functions such as Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), VPN acceleration, and AI-driven traffic management.
• IPQ9570’s Cortex-A53 is more power-efficient but significantly weaker in computational throughput, making it suitable for consumer-grade routers and mid-range network devices.
  
  

Why is A73 Superior to A53?

• Deeper instruction pipeline → More efficient execution of tasks
• Better branch prediction → Lower latency in network packet handling
• L2 + L3 cache → Improved data access speed and higher network throughput
  
  

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2. WiFi 7 Wireless Performance

WiFi 7 introduces major advancements, including 320MHz ultra-wide channels, 4096-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). While both SoCs support WiFi 7, their MIMO configurations, bandwidth support, and use cases differ.

Wireless Performance Breakdown:

• IPQ9574: A true high-end WiFi 7 solution, offering full tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) support, wider 320MHz channels, and 4x4 MIMO for maximum throughput. Ideal for enterprise access points and high-performance routers.
• IPQ9570: A more cost-effective WiFi 7 solution, typically limited to dual-band or lower MIMO configurations (2x2). More suitable for home and SMB WiFi routers.
  
  

WiFi 7 Key Differences:

• MIMO Configuration: IPQ9574 supports 4x4 MIMO, while IPQ9570 is often limited to 2x2 MIMO, impacting overall capacity in dense networks.
• Bandwidth: 320MHz vs. 160MHz → IPQ9574 can deliver twice the throughput compared to IPQ9570.
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Both support MLO, enhancing latency, link aggregation, and interference management.
  
  

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3. Networking Interfaces & Expansion Capabilities

Enterprise networking often demands high-speed Ethernet interfaces and PCIe expansion for additional functionality. Here’s how IPQ9574 and IPQ9570 compare in terms of connectivity.

Expansion Insights:

• IPQ9574 offers two 10GbE ports, enabling it to support high-throughput networking applications such as wireless backhaul, multi-Gigabit internet gateways, and data center WiFi.
• IPQ9570 is limited to 2.5GbE, making it suitable for home and small business networking, but inadequate for high-performance enterprise applications.
• PCIe 3.0 (x4) vs. PCIe 2.0 (x2): IPQ9574 can support higher-speed external network adapters or NVMe storage, whereas IPQ9570 is limited in expandability.
  
  

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4. Typical Use Cases

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5. Choosing the Right SoC

✅ Choose IPQ9574 if you need:

• Maximum performance (higher CPU power, higher bandwidth, and better wireless capabilities)
• Enterprise-grade solutions (10GbE networking, 4x4 MIMO, and 320MHz bandwidth)
• More expandability (PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0, and NAND/eMMC support)
  
  

✅ Choose IPQ9570 if you need:

• Cost-effective WiFi 7 routers (for home or SMB applications)
• Lower power consumption (better for energy-efficient setups)
• Basic WiFi 7 features (160MHz bandwidth and 2x2 MIMO are sufficient for standard users)
  
  

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Conclusion: IPQ9574 vs. IPQ9570 – Which One to Choose?

If you're looking for a high-performance enterprise WiFi 7 solution, the IPQ9574 is the superior choice. It offers better CPU performance, higher bandwidth, multi-Gigabit Ethernet, and superior expandability.

On the other hand, if you're designing a cost-effective home or SMB router, the IPQ9570 provides a budget-friendly alternative while still delivering WiFi 7 capabilities.

🔹 Interested in WiFi 7 development? Contact us for solutions and pricing!