IIoT 5G And Wi-Fi 6: Comparative Analysis of IPQ6018 and IPQ8072 on Routerboards

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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:

1. Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU.

2. Dual-core network accelerator.

3. Support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.

4. MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology for efficient data transfer.

5. Hardware-accelerated encryption and decryption for enhanced security.

6. 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:

1. Quad-core Kryo 355 CPU.

2. Integrated 5G modem with support for both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies.

3. Support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 bands.

4. Enhanced MU-MIMO and beamforming capabilities.

5. Hardware security features, including Secure Boot and TrustZone.

6. High-speed connectivity through multiple PCIe lanes.

Comparative Analysis:

[size=10.5000pt]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.

3. 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.

[size=10.5000pt]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.