Broadcom Rolls 802.11n Routers For SMBs

With wireless video applications beginning to proliferate, Broadcom Corporation has unveiled a series of chips and software designed to turn 802.11n into a strong wireless backbone for the home and SMB markets.

Noting that 802.11n routers are now outselling 802.11g routers, Broadcom said in its Tuesday announcement that its three new 11n platform designs will help boost the high speed technology throughout home and SMB markets. The new router family has three models ranging from a 2.4G retail router to a high performance simultaneous dual-band Gigabit Ethernet router.

"Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n is important for consumers who want to move entertainment content throughout their homes without cords or wires," said Philip Solis, ABI Research practice director, in a statement. "Utilizing both parts of the spectrum multiplies the available bandwidth to support high-quality media streaming, deliver faster downloads and enhance online gaming."

The simplest model, the BCM5357, is an entry level device aimed at retail markets. The next model, the BCM5358, is features I2S, NAND, and wireless voice gateway support. The high-end device, the BCM47186, features simultaneous dual-band 11n Gigabit Ethernet capability. All of the models are based on a 65 nanometer design processes, which reduces the cost and enables more components to be included on each device, the company said.

Separately, Broadcom said it is targeting the online video market represented by the growth of IP video-to-TV with a single chip dual-band 11n chip, the BCM4323. The device will leverage USB interfaces by adding 11n Wi-Fi connectivity to PCs, TVs, set-top boxes, broadband modems, Blu-ray Disc players and other consumer electronics devices. The dual-band device includes both 2.4GHz and 5GHz capability, the firm said.

"As a result," said Bill Bunch, director of Broadcom's Wi-Fi Media Business Line, "end users will be able to wirelessly share and enjoy media content using Internet-based applications as connected TVs become ubiquitous."

For Further Reading:

Review: 6 Ultrafast 802.11n Wi-Fi Routers

Dual-Band Router Showdown

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