Broadcom has added a Wi-Fi Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) processor to its Intensi-fi family of draft-802.11n chips.
Broadcom explained that 802.11n products promise to provide eight times the throughput of the 802.11g version of Wi-Fi, but typically deliver only four-times the rate of 802.11g because of limits imposed by Fast Ethernet switching and network processors.
By integrating a GbE controller and increasing the processor’s clock speed in its new IC, Broadcom claims to have eliminated those bottlenecks to approach the theoretical maximum.
The new Broadcom Wi-Fi GbE processor is available today in products from OEMs including Linksys and Buffalo.
In real world tests conducted by the company and validated, Broadcom said, by a third-party testing company, products powered by the new BCM4705 GbE processor produced Wi-Fi throughput in excess of 160 Mbps. Throughput of up to 200 Mbps and higher has been achieved in lab tests.