IIoT 5G And Wi-Fi 6: Comparative Analysis of IPQ6018 and IPQ8072 on Routerboards
Introduction:
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the convergence of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technologies plays a pivotal role in enabling high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connectivity for critical applications. This technical post delves into a comparative analysis of two Qualcomm chipset solutions, IPQ6018 and IPQ8072, as implemented on routerboards, focusing on their suitability for IIoT applications leveraging 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
IPQ6018 Overview:
The IPQ6018 is a system-on-chip (SoC) designed by Qualcomm for Wi-Fi 6 applications. It features:
- Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU.
- Dual-core network accelerator.
- Support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
- MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology for efficient data transfer.
- Hardware-accelerated encryption and decryption for enhanced security.
- Integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections.
IPQ8072 Overview:
The IPQ8072 is another Qualcomm SoC, tailored for 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. Key features include:
- Quad-core Kryo 355 CPU.
- Integrated 5G modem with support for both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies.
- Support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 bands.
- Enhanced MU-MIMO and beamforming capabilities.
- Hardware security features, including Secure Boot and TrustZone.
- High-speed connectivity through multiple PCIe lanes.
Comparative Analysis:
1.Processing Power:
IPQ8072 stands out with its more powerful Kryo 355 CPU cores, providing better overall processing capability compared to the Cortex-A53 cores in IPQ6018. This is especially crucial for handling complex IIoT workloads.
2.5G Connectivity:
IPQ8072 takes a clear lead in 5G connectivity, as it integrates a 5G modem, allowing for high-speed, low-latency communication. This is a significant advantage for IIoT applications requiring real-time data transmission.
- Wi-Fi 6 Performance:
Both chipsets support Wi-Fi 6, offering similar benefits in terms of faster data rates and improved performance in dense environments. However, IPQ6018 may be sufficient for applications where 5G is not a requirement.
4.Security:
Both chipsets provide hardware security features, but IPQ8072's inclusion of Secure Boot and TrustZone offers additional layers of protection, making it better suited for security-critical IIoT deployments.
5.Connectivity Options:
IPQ8072 provides multiple PCIe lanes, enabling greater flexibility in adding various expansion modules. This can be advantageous for customizing IIoT solutions.
6.Cost Considerations:
IPQ6018 may be a more cost-effective choice for applications where 5G connectivity is not necessary, allowing for a lower overall device cost.
Conclusion:
Choosing between IPQ6018 and IPQ8072 for your IIoT application on a routerboard depends on the specific requirements of your project. If high-speed 5G connectivity and robust security are paramount, IPQ8072 is the superior choice. However, for budget-conscious projects without 5G demands, IPQ6018 offers a cost-effective solution without compromising Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. The decision should be guided by the specific needs and priorities of your IIoT implementation.
1.DR8072V01
Website:https://www.wallystech.com/Routerboard/DR8072V01-wifi6-Qualco...
Features
Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8072A AR Quad Core CPU
On-board 5GHz radio, up to 2475 Mbps physical data rate,On-board 2.4GHz radio, up to 1147Mbps physical data rate
8 MB NOR Flash, 256MB NAND Flash（NAND Flash can be up to 1GB as optional）
Support 11ax TX Beamforming,Support 11ac/ax MU-MIMO DL and UL,Support OFDMA DL and UL
Supports Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)
DDR 1GB DDR3L(Support DDR3L can be up to 2GB as optional)
M.2 connector can support QCN9074 production
Absolute Maximum Rating
Parameter Rating Unit
Operating Temperature Range -20 to +70 ºC
Storage Temperature Range -40 to +90 ºC
Operating Humidity Range 5 to +95 (non-condensing) %
Storage Humidity Range 0 to +90 (non-condensing)
Hardware Specifications
Symbol Parameter
CPU Qualcomm Atheros Quad Core ARM Cortex 64-bit A53 Processor IPQ8072A 2.2GHz CPU
CPU Frequency Derived from Qualcomm Atheros AP.HK09
System Memory 1x 512MB, DDR4 2400MHz 16-bit interface(RAM can be up to 2GB as optional)
Frequency Range 2.412~2.472GHz, 5.150~5.825GHZ M.2 Slot 1x M.2 Slot with PCIe 3.0
Modulation Techniques OFDMA: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM, 1024-QAM
Environmental Temperature
Operating: -20ºC to 70ºC,
Storage: -40ºC to 90ºC
NOR Flash: 8 MB
DC Jack Input 1x DC Jack Connector: 12V
Interface 4x 1Gbps Ethernet Port, 1x 10Gbps Ethernet Port 1x 10Gbps SFP
2x USB 3.0 Port 1x JTAG 20 Pin Connector 1x Serial Port 4 Pin Connector
LED 2x RGB LED Indicators
Power Consumption TBD
Wallystech has over 10 years of experience in research and development, with expertise in Linux and WiFi protocols. They specialize in developing software for Qualcomm chips, including drivers, kernels, and other important software modifications and compilations, in order to meet the diverse WiFi functional requirements of their customers.
In addition to their software expertise, Wallystech also boasts a strong hardware design team. Their team of experienced professionals recognizes that RF circuit design and baseband are the most challenging aspects of hardware design. Wallystech has achieved zero errors in signal integrity, even when it comes to complex tasks like frequency conversion of network cards, from 2.4 GHz to 900 MHz.
Wallystech has provided their innovative technology solutions to notable clients such as TIP, Facebook, and Openwrt.