From QCA9880 to QCN9024: A Comprehensive Upgrade from WiFi 5 to WiFi 6

As the demand for IoT, smart manufacturing, HD video streaming, and remote work continues to rise, WiFi technology has become the backbone of modern connectivity. The upgrade from WiFi 5 (802.11ac) to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is no longer optional—it’s essential. Qualcomm’s QCA9880 was once a star in the WiFi 5 era, while the QCN9024 stands as a powerful representative of WiFi 6 with significantly improved efficiency and performance.

This article provides a detailed analysis of why migrating from QCA9880 to QCN9024 is a necessary and strategic move, exploring technical performance, system efficiency, deployment flexibility, application scenarios, future compatibility, and ROI.

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1. Significant Leap in Technical Performance

Feature	QCA9880 (WiFi 5)	QCN9024 (WiFi 6)	Upgrade Value
WiFi Standard	802.11ac Wave2	802.11ax	Next-gen high-speed protocol
Frequency Bands	2.4GHz / 5GHz	2.4GHz / 5GHz	Same bands, higher performance
MIMO Configuration	3x3	4x4	Better parallel data capacity
Max PHY Throughput	~1.3 Gbps	Up to 4.8 Gbps	Nearly 4x speed improvement
OFDMA	Not Supported	Supported	Lower latency, multi-user use
MU-MIMO	Downlink only	Uplink & Downlink	Higher user concurrency
QAM Modulation	256-QAM	1024-QAM	Higher data compression
Security Protocol	WPA2	WPA3	Stronger encryption

Conclusion: QCN9024 outperforms QCA9880 across all major technical metrics, especially in throughput, latency, and multi-user capability.

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2. Enhanced System Efficiency

WiFi 6 introduces several key technologies—OFDMA, TWT, and BSS Coloring—which allow QCN9024 to maintain stable performance in dense deployments, whereas QCA9880 struggles under load.

• OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) : Splits channels into smaller subcarriers, enabling multiple devices to transmit simultaneously and efficiently.
• TWT (Target Wake Time) : Reduces power consumption by scheduling wake times for devices—ideal for IoT scenarios.
• BSS Coloring: Differentiates overlapping signals from neighboring APs, minimizing co-channel interference.

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3. Greater Deployment Flexibility & Maintainability

QCN9024 supports PCIe 3.0, has open-source driver support via ath11k, and is compatible with major Linux systems, making it ideal for:

• Embedded gateways (OpenWRT/OpenWiFi)
• Enterprise-grade APs
• Industrial IoT devices
• High-performance wireless backhaul (Mesh/PtP)

It also enables advanced RF tuning and signal optimization for more efficient wireless coverage.

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4. Broader Industry Applications

Industry	Upgrade Advantages
Smart Campuses	Handles thousands of concurrent connections
Industrial IoT	Secure and low-power wireless data acquisition
Urban WiFi Coverage	Mesh + OFDMA enables low-cost wide-area rollout
Mining / Vehicle Comms	High mobility and interference resistance
Cloud Work / Video Conf	Smooth low-latency HD communication

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5. Future Compatibility & ROI Assurance

• Device Ecosystem: Most modern phones, laptops, and IoT devices now support WiFi 6—QCN9024 unlocks their full potential.
• Mature Software Support: ath11k drivers are stable and well-supported in modern Linux kernels and open-source platforms.
• Long-Term Availability: QCA9880 is nearing EOL (End of Life), while QCN9024 offers a clear roadmap and continued vendor support.

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6. Conclusion: More Than a Replacement—A Complete Rebuild

While QCA9880 has served well, its limitations are increasingly evident under modern network demands. QCN9024 doesn’t just “replace” QCA9880—it rebuilds the wireless experience from the ground up, offering:

• Stronger market competitiveness
• Superior user experience
• Lower OPEX and support costs
• Better long-term investment returns

The next generation of wireless begins with QCN9024.