Qualcomm has introduced its latest Dragonwing Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Gen 4 Elite, a next-generation connectivity platform designed for ultra-fast 5G performance and enhanced AI capabilities. Announced at MWC 2025, the new platform is powered by Qualcomm’s X85 5G Modem-RF, delivering peak download speeds of 12.5 Gbps and an impressive 14km mmWave 5G range.
The X85 5G Modem-RF will also be available on upcoming Android smartphones, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network coverage.
Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite: Next-Level 5G Performance
The Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite is Qualcomm’s fourth-generation fixed wireless access platform. It features a quad-core processor with dedicated network acceleration and a Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of 40 TOPS AI performance.
This powerhouse platform brings several key improvements:
- Ultra-fast 5G speeds: Peak download speeds of over 12.5 Gbps
- Long-range connectivity: mmWave 5G network reach of up to 14km
- Advanced networking: Support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet and tri-band Wi-Fi 7
- Enhanced smartphone features: 5G Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) support
Additionally, the Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite integrates non-terrestrial network (NTN) support, enabling satellite connectivity for compatible devices. It also features an 8Rx/6Rx antenna setup, designed to improve signal strength and network reliability.
Qualcomm X85 Modem-RF: Pushing the Boundaries of Connectivity
At the heart of the Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite is Qualcomm’s X85 Modem-RF, the company’s first modem with 400MHz bandwidth support. Built for both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G, the X85 Modem-RF uses a converged mmWave-Sub6 transceiver to boost performance across different network types.
Key Features of the Qualcomm X85 Modem-RF:
- Turbo DSDA support: Delivers higher download and upload speeds using 3CC + 1CC component carriers
- Advanced AI-powered network selection: Uses on-device machine learning for smarter, faster network switching
- Satellite connectivity: Enables NTN-supported devices to stay connected in remote areas
- Multi-device compatibility: Can be integrated into PCs, wireless access points, vehicles, and XR (Extended Reality) devices
A New Era of Connectivity
With Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 Elite and X85 5G Modem-RF, Qualcomm is setting a new standard for 5G speed, efficiency, and AI-driven networking. As these technologies roll out in upcoming smartphones, wireless networks, and IoT devices, users can expect faster, more reliable, and more intelligent connectivity than ever before.
Are we on the verge of a 5G revolution? Let us know your thoughts!
