CES 2012: Broadcom announces 5th generation (5G) Wi-Fi breakthrough

Broadcom, a provider of semiconductor solutions for wired
and wireless communications, has introduced its first family of 802.11ac (5G
WiFi) chips designed for a broad range of product segments.

 

The new IEEE 802.11ac chips are three times faster
and up to six times more power efficient than equivalent 802.11n solutions.

 

5G WiFi is a major evolutionary step from the existing
802.11a/b/g/n networks. Broadcom’s 5G WiFi improves the wireless range in the
home, allowing consumers to watch HD-quality video from more devices, in more
places, simultaneously.

 

“The exponential growth of digital media and
wirelessly connected devices requires faster and more reliable ways to connect
anytime, anywhere. 5G WiFi solves this media explosion challenge. Broadcom’s
vast footprint in consumer electronics devices uniquely positions us to lead
the transition to the next generation of Wi-Fi,” said Michael Hurlston, Senior
Vice President, Mobile & Wireless Group, Broadcom.

 

The increased speed enables consumers to download web
content from a mobile device faster and quickly synch large files, such as
videos, in a fraction of the time it would take on a similar 802.11n device.
Since 5G WiFi transfers the same volume of data at a much faster rate, devices
enter low-power mode faster, which results in significant power consumption
advantages.

 

“Wi-Fi-enabled devices will grow from less than 1
billion units in 2010 to more than 3 billion in 2015[1]. Given the current
constraints of legacy 802.11 standards and the increased speed, capacity,
coverage and battery life that 802.11ac offers, this next generation of Wi-Fi
is poised for rapid growth across all product segments. 802.11ac will be one of
the most influential mobile and wireless technologies in the years to come,”
said Mark Hung, research director, Wireless, Gartner Research.

 

Broadcom’s 5G WiFi technology overcomes the digital
content and wireless device challenge by creating more reliable whole-home
coverage.

 

Broadcom is sampling 5G WiFi solutions to its early
access partners including retail and PC OEMs, service providers and carriers,
and will be demonstrating 5G WiFi capabilities at CES.

 

802.11ac has generated broad support across the
consumer-electronics industry. Companies and partners across the ecosystem
recognize that 802.11ac is the future of Wi-Fi and are committed to its
development, integration and distribution.

 

Broadcom’s family of 5G WiFi solutions includes the
BCM4360, BCM4352, BCM43526 and BCM43516. 

 

Broadcom will also showcase the industry’s first MoCA 2.0-Integrated Portfolio
including six new set-top box (STB) and Hybrid IP Gateway system on a chip
(SoC) platforms at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show.

 

By Telecomlead.com Team
[email protected]