A WiFi SoC is a single-chip integrated circuit that combines the functions of a WiFi radio and a microcontroller, offering wireless connectivity and processing capabilities for a variety of devices and applications.
- MT7612EN: High-performance dual-band WiFi
- MT7603E: Cost-effective low-power WiFi.
- Broadcom BCM43569- Advanced features support.
- Realtek RTL8197F- Integrated MIPS CPU.
- Marvell Avastar 88W8897- High-performance connectivity.
This article introduces a variety of high-performance WiFi SOCs to help you choose the most suitable one.
What is A WiFi SOC?
An integrated circuit known as a Wi-Fi SoC (System-on-a-Chip) integrates many parts needed for Wi-Fi functioning onto a single chip. It is intended to provide Wi-Fi-compatible wireless communication capabilities. A Wi-Fi radio, a CPU or microcontroller, memory, and other elements required for wireless communication are often included in the SoC.
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Why WiFi SOC Is Needed for IoT?
IoT devices require WiFi SoCs because they offer the connection and processing power required for IoT gateway devices to exchange data wirelessly via WiFi networks. IoT requires WiFi SoCs for the following reasons:
Wireless Communication
WiFi SoCs incorporate the WiFi radio, enabling IoT devices to connect to the internet and exchange wireless communications with other devices and services. IoT devices require this wireless connectivity because it allows them to send and receive data without the use of physical connections like Ethernet cables. Explore ESP32 BLE WiFi Gateway here.
Standardization and Compatibility
WiFi SoCs ensure interoperability with current WiFi networks and infrastructure by conforming to IEEE 802.11 WiFi specifications. This standardization enables seamless integration of IoT devices into existing WiFi networks, making it easier for users to connect to and manage their IoT devices.
Range and Coverage
WiFi SoCs offer a relatively wide coverage range within the area of a WiFi network, allowing IoT devices to connect over longer distances. This is particularly useful for IoT installations that demand for dispersing devices over larger areas or throughout a structure.
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Power Efficiency
Because WiFi SoCs are designed to use as little power as possible, they are suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that use batteries. The adoption of power-saving techniques, such as low-power sleep modes and efficient data transfer protocols, extends the battery life of IoT devices.
Processing Capabilities
Commonly included in WiFi SoCs, a microcontroller or a microprocessor allows for in-device processing and intelligence. As a result, devices may do tasks nearby rather than heavily relying on cloud-based processing, which reduces latency and enables faster response times for IoT applications.
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Ecosystem and Development Support
With the help of vendor support and SDKs, WiFi SoCs typically give developers the tools, guidance, and libraries they need to build IoT device apps and services. This ecosystem support makes it simpler to design and deploy IoT solutions based on WiFi connections.
How To Measure A WiFi SOC?
To guarantee dependable and effective wireless communication, a decent WiFi SoC should adhere to a set of requirements. The following are some crucial specifications that a WiFi SoC must meet.
IEEE 802.11 Standards
At least one IEEE 802.11 standard, including the most recent 802.11ax (also known as Wi-Fi 6), as well as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11n, should be supported by the WiFi SoC. Wireless communication is compatible with these specifications and protocols, which include data speeds, channel widths, modulation techniques, and security measures.
Wi-Fi Alliance Certifications
The WiFi SoC should be certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a world organization that promotes interoperability and standards compliance in WiFi devices. Certifications like Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDTM 6 or earlier generations ensure that the SoC complies with specific performance and interoperability criteria in order to ensure compatibility with other certified WiFi devices.
WPA3 Security
The most recent WiFi security standard, WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), offers improved encryption and protection from a variety of security issues. A decent WiFi SoC must be WPA3 compatible if you want dependable and secure wireless connections.
MIMO and Beamforming
Several Input Beamforming and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technologies enhance WiFi performance and coverage. A WiFi SoC that supports MIMO and beamforming may send and receive several data streams simultaneously when employing multiple antenna systems, boosting throughput and range.
IoT Protocols
Depending on the specific use case, a good WiFi SoC might potentially manage several IoT protocols and standards, like MQTT, CoAP, and others. These protocols enable efficient and convenient communication between IoT devices and cloud services or other IoT infrastructure.
WiFi SOCs On the Market
Here are some popular WiFi SoCs available in the market:
- MT7612EN: The MT7612EN is a WiFi module designed for high-performance wireless connectivity. It supports the IEEE 802.11ac standard and operates in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. The module integrates a dual-band WiFi radio with multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology, allowing for improved data throughput and range. The MT7612EN module is often used in various applications, including routers, access points, and other wireless devices that require fast and reliable WiFi connectivity.
- MT7603E: The MT7603E is a WiFi module designed for cost-effective and low-power wireless applications. It supports the IEEE 802.11n standard and operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band. The module features a single-band WiFi radio and is suitable for applications where power efficiency and affordability are essential. The MT7603E module is commonly used in IoT devices, smart home appliances, and other wireless devices that prioritize low-cost and energy-efficient wireless connectivity.
- Broadcom BCM43569: The Broadcom BCM43569 SoC is used in smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The SoC also incorporates advanced features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and 1024-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) for improved network performance. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless peripheral connectivity.
- Realtek RTL8197F: The Realtek RTL8197F is often used in WiFi routers and access points. It features a MIPS CPU operating at up to 1GHz, supports the 802.11n WiFi standard, and offers dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) WiFi connectivity. The SoC integrates multiple Ethernet ports, USB interfaces, and hardware acceleration for VPN, making it suitable for networking applications.
- Marvell Avastar 88W8897: The Marvell Avastar 88W8897 is a high-performance WiFi SoC commonly found in laptops, tablets, and other consumer electronic devices. It provides high-speed wireless connectivity and incorporates advanced features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and 1024-QAM. The SoC also includes Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless peripheral connectivity.
| WiFi SoC | CPU Architecture | WiFi Standards | Maximum Clock Speed | Key Features |
| MediaTek MT7621 | Dual-core MIPS | 802.11n, 802.11ac | Up to 880MHz | Concurrent dual-band, hardware VPN acceleration, Ethernet ports |
| Broadcom BCM43569 | N/A | 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11ac | N/A | MU-MIMO, OFDMA, 1024-QAM, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Realtek RTL8197F | MIPS | 802.11n | Up to 1GHz | Dual-band, hardware VPN acceleration, Ethernet ports |
| Marvell Avastar 88W8897 | N/A | 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11ac | N/A | MU-MIMO, OFDMA, 1024-QAM, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| MediaTek MT7628 | Single-core MIPS | 802.11n | Up to 580MHz | Cost-effective, WiFi connectivity, suitable for WiFi modules and IoT devices |
The MT7612EN is a strong contender with its support for the 802.11ac WiFi standard, dual-band operation, and high-performance capabilities. It is commonly used in routers and access points, providing reliable dual-band WiFi connectivity.
The MT7603E with its cost-effective design and low-power WiFi capabilities, secures the third place. It is well-suited for IoT devices and smart home appliances that prioritize affordability and energy efficiency.
WiFi Gateways based on WiFi SOC
Dusun IoT uses high-performance WiFi SOCs as the core to develop a series of IoT gateways.
DSGW-023
The DSGW-023 dual-band smart router gateway uses MT7612EN and MT7603E. It supports routing features including OpenVPN, PPTP VPN, IPSec VPN, etc. and IoT multi-protocol conversion. It can be used as both a Wi-Fi access point and an IoT gateway. Continuous high-speed data transfer for numerous devices is provided.
High-Performance WiFi
The MT7612EN supports the 802.11ac WiFi standard, which allows for fast and dependable wireless access. This allows the IoT gateway to handle high-bandwidth applications and transfer data between IoT devices and the cloud or other networks more efficiently.
Dual-Band Operation
The dual-band capabilities of the MT7612EN allow it to operate in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. This adaptability allows the gateway to take advantage of less congested channels and achieve greater performance in busy WiFi environments.
Cost-Effective
The MT7603E module, while not as high-performance as the MT7612EN, is a more cost-effective option. It offers dependable WiFi connectivity at a lower cost, making it suited for IoT applications with tight budgets.
Low Power Consumption
The MT7603E module is designed to consume little power, making it energy efficient. This is especially critical for IoT gateways, which must function continuously while conserving power to extend battery life or minimize electricity costs.
Compatibility with IoT Devices
Both modules are appropriate for IoT applications, and their integration into an IoT gateway enables seamless communication with a wide range of IoT devices. The MT7612EN and MT7603E can meet the connectivity needs of a wide range of IoT sensors, actuators, and other devices.
Flexibility and Scalability
The modularity of the MT7612EN and MT7603E allows for flexibility and scalability when designing an IoT gateway. These modules can be integrated with other components, such as microcontrollers or extra networking interfaces, to satisfy specific application requirements and allow for future growth.
DSGW-010
The Dusun DSGW-010 gateway is an industrial gateway uses WiFi module as a core based on 5G MT7612EN. The gateway keeps your business running smoothly in an industrial environment without interruption thanks to its highly integrated WiFi capability, LTE 4G failover, BLE capability, and Ethernet RJ45 connection.
PoE + DC 12V adaptor power supply, as well as installation techniques that can be mounted on walls or ceilings, provide flexible deployment in a range of industrial applications. It can function in a very hard environment because to its large working temperature range (-20°C to 70°C) and tough IP66 all-weather proof environment. Explore DSGW-010-3 Industrial Bluetooth Gateway and DSGW-010-4 Zigbee Sensor-to-cloud Gateway here.
For our IoT gateway, Dusun IoT offers SDKs and reference designs, making it easier to create and deploy IoT gateway applications. These tools facilitate the development process and give software integration a strong foundation.
High Performance
The MT7612EN WiFi SoC is designed to deliver excellent performance in terms of data transfer rates and network throughput. It supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) operation and utilizes multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, enabling faster and more reliable wireless communication. This high-performance capability ensures efficient connectivity and seamless data transmission for industrial applications.
Wide Coverage and Range
The MT7612EN SoC provides enhanced wireless coverage and extended range, allowing the Dusun DSGW-010 Waterproof Outdoor gateway to serve large industrial environments effectively. It offers robust signal strength and improved penetration capabilities, minimizing dead zones and ensuring reliable connectivity across industrial facilities.
Advanced Security Features
Security is a critical aspect of industrial gateways, and the MT7612EN WiFi SoC incorporates advanced security features. It supports the latest encryption standards, such as WPA3, ensuring secure data transmission and protecting the network from unauthorized access. These security features are essential for safeguarding sensitive industrial data and maintaining the integrity of the network infrastructure.
Reliability and Stability
Industrial environments often have challenging conditions, including interference from other wireless devices, machinery, or environmental factors. The MT7612EN SoC is designed to deliver excellent reliability and stability in such environments. It incorporates advanced noise reduction mechanisms and signal optimization techniques to ensure consistent and uninterrupted wireless connectivity, even in demanding industrial settings.
Power Efficiency
The MT7612EN WiFi SoC is engineered to be power-efficient, minimizing energy consumption without compromising performance. This is particularly important for industrial gateways that need to operate continuously while minimizing power usage. The power efficiency of the SoC contributes to overall energy savings and helps prolong the operational life of the DSGW-010 gateway.
In addition, we also offer a series of gateways based on other high-performance WiFi SOCs. Please contact us via form or chat for a one-on-one recommendation for a personalized gateway.
Explore These WiFi Gateways from Dusun IoT!
DSGW-020 PoE Zigbee WiFi Router Gateway
DSGW-030-2 Bluetooth to WiFi Bridge
DSGW-030 WiFi Zigbee Bluetooth Gateway
WiFi SOC FAQs
What is the smallest Wi-Fi SoC?
AzureWave Technologies has introduced the world’s smallest WiFi HaLow module, which is powered by a Morse Micro MM6108 microchip. The module is only 13 x 13 mm in size and has a 10x greater range than traditional Wi-Fi solutions. Furthermore, it consumes less energy and can deliver data faster than existing solutions.
What components make up a Wi-Fi module?
The modules typically include a transceiver, an MCU, and an antenna, as well as other components. Wi-Fi currently operates on three bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Modules are available that support one, two, or all three bands.
Which is more powerful, WPA2 or WPA3?
WPA3 is the most secure wireless encryption protocol because it is the most recent. However, some wireless APs do not support WPA3. In that case, WPA2, which is widely used in the enterprise today, is the next best option.
