WLE1216VX 2.4/5GHz QCA9984 WiFi 5 (802.11ac Wave 2) 4×4 MU-MIMO Dual Band Module
Dual-band 2.4/5GHz 4x4 MU-MIMO WiFi 5 (802.11ac Wave 2) module with Qualcomm Atheros QCA9984, up to 800Mbps (2.4GHz) and 1733Mbps (5GHz), MiniPCIe PCIe 2.0 interface.
WLE1216VX – Dual Band 2.4/5GHz 4×4 WiFi 5 MiniPCIe Module
Product Overview
Dual-band 2.4/5GHz 4×4 MU-MIMO WiFi 5 module based on Qualcomm Atheros QCA9984 Cascade series. Delivers up to 800Mbps in 2.4GHz and 1733Mbps in 5GHz with 80+80MHz bandwidth support for high-bandwidth enterprise wireless access points.
Key Overview
Target Users：Enterprise network integrators, WiFi access point manufacturers, high-density deployment specialists, SOHO and SMB networking solution providers
Core Strengths：Dual-band operation (2.4GHz + 5GHz), 4×4 MU-MIMO with up to 1733Mbps peak rate in 5GHz, 80+80MHz bandwidth support, PCIe 2.0 interface, integrated heat sink, DFS support
Typical Applications：Enterprise wireless access points, high-density WiFi deployments, SOHO routers, smart home gateways, gaming routers
Technical Specifications
The WLE1216VX is a dual-band 2.4/5GHz 4×4 MU-MIMO WiFi 5 module featuring Qualcomm Atheros QCA9984 chipset, delivering high-performance wireless connectivity for enterprise-grade applications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Atheros QCA9984 ‘Cascade’ Series |
| System Memory | 256Kbit serial I²C bus EEPROM |
| Reference Design | Qualcomm Atheros CAS03 |
| Host Interface | MiniPCIe interface with PCIe 2.0 |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V |
| Power Consumption (Board Only) | 9W (Max) |
| Wireless Standard | 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n/ac (max 20dBm per chain) 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac (max 19dBm per chain) |
| MIMO Configuration | 4×4 MU-MIMO (Dual Band) |
| Peak Data Rate | Up to 800Mbps (2.4GHz) / Up to 1733Mbps (5GHz) |
| Frequency Range | 2.412~2.472GHz (2.4GHz), 5.150~5.825GHz (5GHz) |
| Channel Spectrum Widths | 20/40MHz at 2.4GHz; 20/40/80/80+80MHz at 5GHz |
| Modulation Techniques | CCK, OFDM: BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, 256-QAM |
| RF Connectors | 4× U.FL Connectors |
| Compliance Standards | IEEE 802.11d, e, h, i, j, k, r, u, v time stamp, w, and z |
| DFS Support | Dynamic Frequency Selection supported |
| Supported OS | CompexWRT or OpenWRT/LEDE |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 90°C |
| Operating Humidity | 5% to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity | Max. 90% (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions | 29.9 × 50.8 × 12.9 mm (W × H × D) |
| Certifications | FCC (USA), IC (Canada), REACH, RoHS |
RF Performance – 2.4GHz
| Data Rate | TX (dBm) | RX (dBm) |
|---|---|---|
| 6Mbps | 26 | -90 |
| 54Mbps | 22 | -73 |
| MCS 0 | 26 | -87 |
| MCS 7 | 21 | -68 |
| MCS 9 | 19 | -62 |
RF Performance – 5GHz
| Data Rate | TX (dBm) | RX (dBm) |
|---|---|---|
| 6Mbps | 25 | -91 |
| 54Mbps | 21 | -74 |
| MCS 0 | 24 | -85 |
| MCS 7 | 21 | -67 |
| MCS 9 | 18 | -61 |
Key Features
Dual-Band Operation
Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation allows flexible network deployment, with 800Mbps in 2.4GHz and 1733Mbps in 5GHz.
4×4 MU-MIMO Technology
Four spatial streams enable simultaneous communication with multiple clients, maximizing throughput in high-density environments.
80+80MHz Bandwidth Support
Supports 80+80MHz channel bonding in 5GHz, delivering the highest data rates available in WiFi 5 technology.
Integrated Heat Sink
Built-in heat sink allows free air operation without additional cooling requirements, simplifying system design.
PCIe 2.0 Interface
PCIe 2.0 provides higher throughput compared to PCIe 1.1, ensuring the interface doesn’t become a bottleneck.
Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)
DFS support enables operation in additional 5GHz channels, increasing available spectrum for high-density deployments.
Model Variants
| Model | Description | Temperature Range | Item Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLE1216VX | 4×4 MU-MIMO, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band Wave 2, MiniPCIe, 4 U.FL connectors | -20°C to 70°C | WLE1216VX 7A0001.01-2 |
Target Applications
- Enterprise wireless access points
- High-density WiFi deployments
- SOHO and SMB routers
- Smart home gateways
- Gaming routers
- Network appliances
Comparison Table
| Parameter | WLE1216VX | Single-Band 5GHz | Typical 2×2 AC Module |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIMO | 4×4 MU-MIMO | 4×4 MU-MIMO | 2×2 MIMO |
| Frequency Band | 2.4GHz + 5GHz | 5GHz only | 2.4GHz/5GHz |
| Max Data Rate | 800Mbps + 1733Mbps | 1733Mbps (5GHz) | 400Mbps + 867Mbps |
| Channel Width | 20/40MHz (2.4GHz) 20/40/80/80+80MHz (5GHz) |
20/40/80/80+80MHz | 20/40MHz (2.4GHz) 20/40/80MHz (5GHz) |
| TX Power (per chain) | 20dBm (2.4GHz) 19dBm (5GHz) |
21dBm (5GHz) | 17~20dBm |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 70°C | -20°C to 70°C | -20°C to 70°C |
| Interface | MiniPCIe (PCIe 2.0) | MiniPCIe (PCIe 2.0) | MiniPCIe / M.2 |
Ordering Information
| Model | Description | Temperature | Ordering Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| WLE1216VX | 4×4 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Dual Band Wave 2 MiniPCIe Card, 4 U.FL connectors | -20°C to +70°C | WLE1216VX 7A0001.01-2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between dual-band and single-band modules?
Dual-band modules like WLE1216VX support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies simultaneously, providing more flexible deployment options. 2.4GHz offers better range while 5GHz provides faster speeds and less interference.
Q: What platforms are supported by WLE1216VX?
Supported by CompexWRT or OpenWRT/LEDE with Qualcomm Atheros reference wireless drivers.
Q: Does this module support MU-MIMO?
Yes, WLE1216VX supports 4×4 MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO), allowing it to communicate with multiple clients simultaneously, improving throughput in high-density environments.
Q: What is the difference between QCA9984 and QCA9994?
QCA9984 is standard grade with -20°C to 70°C operating temperature, while QCA9994 offers industrial temperature rating (-40°C to 85°C). Both are from Qualcomm’s Cascade series with similar feature sets.
Q: What is DFS and why is it important?
Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is a regulatory requirement that allows WiFi devices to detect and avoid radar signals in certain 5GHz channels. This provides access to additional channels that are otherwise restricted.
Q: Does the heat sink require any special mounting?
The heat sink is integrated into the module and requires no special mounting. It enables free air operation, simplifying system integration.
