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Broadcom intros world's first single-chip 802.11n solution

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CIOL Bureau
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BEIJING: Broadcom Corporation announced the world's first full-featured, single-chip 802.11n solution. The newest member of the Broadcom Intensi-fi product family is not only the smallest and most cost-effective 802.11n solution in the market, but is the first to enable Wi-Fi products to achieve over 200 Megabits per second (Mbps) of actual wireless throughput.

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By combining unprecedented wireless capacity with new features to improve range, Broadcom's new Intensi-fi chip enables wireless networks to deliver on the promise of 802.11n -- the ability to support several simultaneous multimedia applications including high-definition (HD) video streaming.

Announced is the Broadcom BCM4322, the only 802.11n solution that combines all of the elements of a wireless LAN (WLAN) subsystem onto a single silicon die. This high level of integration can reduce manufacturing costs by up to 40 percent, which will drive down the price of 802.11n products and increase adoption in traditional wireless devices like routers, DSL gateways, printers and notebook computers. In addition, the chip's small footprint enables manufacturers to add 802.11n to consumer electronics products that have never included WLAN functionality before, such as televisions, set-top boxes and camcorders.

Making wireless video distribution a reality

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Digital entertainment content is readily available, but moving that content from one device to another has been a challenge. For example, it is difficult to transfer home movies from a PC to a television because the products lack a simple and common connection method. The size, cost and performance of Broadcom's new Intensi-fi chip make it possible to connect these devices, and many others, using Wi-Fi. As consumer electronics manufacturers design multimedia products with the BCM4322, consumers will soon be able to seamlessly move video and audio content throughout their home or office.

"Our new Intensi-fi chip pushes the envelope of integration to help our customers deliver wireless features in smaller, more affordable devices," said Michael Hurlston, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's WLAN line of business. "It also delivers a price point that will accelerate the adoption of 802.11n technology, removing all doubt that Wi-Fi will be the backbone of the digital home network."

The BCM4322 wireless LAN chip is the second generation of Broadcom's popular Intensi-fi technology that complies with the IEEE 802.11n draft 2.0 specification. Broadcom's new WLAN chip offers a maximum data rate of 300 Mbps with actual throughput of over 200 Mbps -- which exceeds the capabilities of existing 802.11n solutions and most wired networking products.

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"Single-chip 802.11n solutions are critical to enabling 802.11n consumer electronics devices for the home," said Philip Solis, principal analyst at ABI Research. "Multimedia distribution in the home will benefit greatly from single-chip solutions because of their lower cost, smaller size, and reduced external component count, making them easier to design into products."

Utilizing 65 nanometer process technology, the BCM4322 enables manufacturers to provide the richest connectivity features in small mobile devices without affecting battery life. It is less than half the size of multi-chip 802.11n solutions and consumes up to 50 percent less power. This is critical for PC manufacturers, who are transitioning to new connectivity form factors, such as the new half mini-card, for the next generation of ultra-portable notebooks.

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