Broadcom Targets 1588v2 Timing

IRVINE, Calif. -- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced the availability of its end-to-end IEEE 1588v2-compliant solution for service provider, data center and smart grid power control networks. The solution includes the new Broadcom BCM53903 precision timing protocol (PTP) processor, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switch, 1588v2-based Gigabit physical layer (PHY) devices, and embedded software clock from Symmetricom to deliver a cost-optimized, yet flexible solution for applications with precision timing requirements. Broadcom will demonstrate its 1588v2-enabled solutions at the company's annual Analyst Day on December 14, 2010 in Irvine.

Ethernet continues to gain prominence in today's networks as a cost-effective way to achieve greater bandwidth. With the emergence of 'all Ethernet'-based networks, packet-based timing synchronization is now of fundamental importance to ensure maximum network performance as more demanding technologies and applications are deployed. In service provider networks, the transition to Ethernet from traditional Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) and Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)-based networks makes timing synchronization a key requirement in backhaul networks to synchronize base stations and avoid dropped calls as the call is handed off from one base station to the next. Data center networks also require tighter synchronization to ensure the accuracy and timing of financial transactions, while smart grid networks rely on time synchronization to avoid blackouts and manage dispersed and dynamic renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

Broadcom's end-to-end 1588v2 solution provides a simple, cost-effective platform that includes the critical components networking equipment manufacturers need to add timing synchronization to a full range of networking products from small access routers to large switching chassis.

"As a leader in Ethernet silicon products, our customers look to us to provide cutting edge, integrated end-to-end solutions that help reduce cost and speed time-to-market," said Rajiv Ramaswami, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom's Infrastructure & Networking Group. "The introduction of our 1588v2-enabled processor, switch and PHY solutions marks a new era for packet-based networks and demonstrates the flexibility of Ethernet, allowing it to gain greater momentum and mass adoption in a variety of networks."

In a separate releaseSAN JOSE, Calif. -- Symmetricom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYMM), a worldwide leader in precise time and frequency technologies, today announced that its SCi 2000 Embedded Software Clock has been selected by Broadcom (NASDAQ: BRCM) for integration into its 1588-enabled processor, switch and PHY system platforms. The combined product offerings are intended for service providers, carriers and enterprises that require a high-performance, precise timing solution with significant cost and integration efficiencies.

Symmetricom's SCi 2000 Embedded Software Clock provides significant advantages to Network Equipment Manufacturers (NEMs) as it does not require additional dedicated silicon to leverage, and in turn reduces board space requirements and cost. Moreover, the SCi 2000 Embedded Software Clock mitigates the effects of network traffic, heterogeneous network equipment and mobile backhaul issues as it provides extremely precise timing and synchronization capabilities.

"Symmetricom is an excellent choice for Broadcom, as they are a leader in timing and synchronization solutions," said Nick Ilyadis vice president and CTO for Broadcom's Infrastructure & Networking Group. "Symmetricom's proven, high performance embedded technology combined with Broadcom's highly integrated processor, switch and physical layer products provides a cost-optimized, yet flexible solution for applications with precision timing requirements like mobile backhaul."

James Armstrong, executive vice president and general manager at Symmetricom noted, "Broadcom's decision to make Symmetricom's SCi 2000 Embedded Software Clock available to its customers is a testament to the value of our product capabilities and ease of integration into Ethernet switches, processors and PHYs. We are enthusiastic that Broadcom has selected Symmetricom to provide the advanced synchronization solutions that will meet the growing demands of today's rapidly evolving Carrier Ethernet community."

Broadcom Corp. (Nasdaq: BRCM)

Symmetricom Inc. (Nasdaq: SYMM)