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How to Use AsiaRF Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 Modules
A practical integration guide with a full AsiaRF module overview.
AsiaRF provides a complete portfolio of industrial-grade Wi-Fi modules covering Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (ax + 6 GHz), and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be). These modules are widely used in routers, gateways, industrial IoT, smart cities, robotics, and embedded Linux systems.
This guide explains how to select, install, configure, and deploy AsiaRF Wi-Fi modules, followed by a full comparison table of current Wi-Fi 5/6/6E/7 models.
1. Choosing the Right AsiaRF Wi-Fi Module
When selecting a module, consider:
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Wi-Fi generation
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Wi-Fi 5 → cost-effective, mature ecosystem
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Wi-Fi 6 → higher efficiency, OFDMA, MU-MIMO
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Wi-Fi 6E → access to clean 6 GHz spectrum
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Wi-Fi 7 → ultra-low latency, multi-link operation (MLO)
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Form factor
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Mini-PCIe (industrial & networking equipment)
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M.2 Key-A / Key-E (embedded systems & SBCs)
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MIMO & throughput
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2×2 for compact/low-power designs
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4×4 for gateways, APs, and routers
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2. Hardware Installation
Physical installation
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Insert the module into the Mini-PCIe or M.2 slot
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Secure with a screw
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Connect antennas using U.FL / MHF4 connectors
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Ensure antenna count matches RF chains (2×2 or 4×4)
Power & thermal
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High-performance Wi-Fi 6/7 modules require:
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Stable 3.3 V supply
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Adequate ground plane
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Optional heatsink or airflow for sustained throughput
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3. Driver & OS Support
Linux / OpenWrt
AsiaRF Wi-Fi 6 / 6E / 7 modules are primarily based on MediaTek chipsets and are supported by:
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mt76 open-source driver (https://github.com/openwrt/mt76)
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OpenWrt (recommended for gateways & APs)
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Embedded Linux (Yocto / Ubuntu)
Typical steps:
opkg update
opkg install kmod-mt76 hostapd iw
AP / STA configuration
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Use hostapd for AP mode
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Use wpa_supplicant for client mode
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Configure regulatory domain:
iw reg set US # example
4. Antenna & RF Best Practices
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Place antennas away from metal enclosures
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Maintain proper antenna spacing for MIMO
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Use low-loss coax for external antennas
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Verify antenna tuning for 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / 6 GHz
5. Regulatory & 6 GHz Considerations
For Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7:
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6 GHz availability depends on country regulations
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Ensure:
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Correct country code
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Proper EIRP limits
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DFS compliance (5 GHz)
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6. Validation & Testing
Recommended tests:
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Throughput:
iperf3 -
Stability: 24–72 hr stress test
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Multi-client load test
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Thermal monitoring under peak load
7. Full AsiaRF Wi-Fi Module Table (Wi-Fi 5 → Wi-Fi 7)
| Model | Wi-Fi Standard | Bands | Form Factor | MIMO | Chipset Family | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW7615-NP1 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | 2.4 / 5 GHz | Mini-PCIe | 4×4 | MediaTek MT7615 | Legacy routers, cost-optimized gateways |
| AW7915-NP1 | Wi-Fi 6 | 2.4 / 5 GHz | Mini-PCIe | 4×4 | MediaTek MT7915 | Industrial APs, enterprise gateways |
| AW7915-NPD | Wi-Fi 6 | 2.4 / 5 GHz | Mini-PCIe | 2×2 | MediaTek MT7915 | Embedded Linux platforms |
| AW7915-AE1 | Wi-Fi 6 | 2.4 / 5 GHz | M.2 Key-A | 4×4 | MediaTek MT7915 | SBCs, edge computing |
| AW7915-AED | Wi-Fi 6 | 2.4 / 5 GHz | M.2 Key-E | 2×2 | MediaTek MT7915 | Compact embedded designs |
| AW7916-NPD | Wi-Fi 6E | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | Mini-PCIe | 2×3 | MediaTek MT7916 | 6 GHz industrial gateways |
| ✅ AW7916-AED | Wi-Fi 6E | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | M.2 Key-E | 2×3 | MediaTek MT7916 | Compact Wi-Fi 6E embedded systems |
| AW7990-NPD | Wi-Fi 7 (BE) | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | Mini-PCIe | 3×3 | MediaTek MT7990 | Wi-Fi 7 gateways & APs |
| ✅ AW7990-AED | Wi-Fi 7 (BE) | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | M.2 Key-E | 3×3 | MediaTek MT7990 | Next-gen embedded Wi-Fi 7 devices |
| ✅ AW7991-AE2 | Wi-Fi 7 (BE) | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | M.2 Key-A/E | 3×3 | MediaTek MT7991 | High-efficiency Wi-Fi 7 platforms |
8. Typical Application Scenarios
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Industrial IoT gateways
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Smart city infrastructure
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AIoT edge devices
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Enterprise & carrier-grade routers
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Wi-Fi 7 next-generation APs
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OpenWrt-based networking products
Conclusion
AsiaRF Wi-Fi modules provide a clear upgrade path from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 7, with consistent Linux/OpenWrt support, industrial-ready form factors, and scalable RF performance. By choosing the right module, following best practices for installation, and leveraging open-source drivers, system integrators can rapidly deploy reliable wireless solutions across diverse markets.
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