Bandspeed Unveils Wi-Fi Chip Set, Software

AUSTIN, Texas — Bandspeed Inc. said it has begun shipping to OEMs a chip set and software aimed at next-generation access point Wi-Fi hardware sold to small and medium enterprises.

The Austin-based startup said Wednesday (May 31) its AirMaestro platform allows network managers to automatically configure multiple access points within an enterprise for optimal coverage. The silicon can be used as a spectrum analyzer to view the RF environment, and to adjust the network for minimize interference.

The reference design supports the low latencies required for voice and video over Wi-Fi networks, said marketing vice president Bob Mayer. Three independent 802.11 a,b and g interfaces support multiple configurations. The 2.4- and 5-GHz bands can be used to divide voice and data, Mayer added.

Data security is said to be improved through detection of rogue networks and support for the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption standard, Mayer said. A MIMO (multiple in multiple out) 802.11n chip set is expected sometime next year, he added.