Conexant Intros WiFi ChipsConexant Intros WiFi Chips

Conexant Systems expandes its WiFi product portfolio with a new 802.11g standard-compliant baseband processor with an integrated MAC

September 15, 2003

3 Min Read

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for digital home information and entertainment networks, today expanded its Wi-Fi(TM) wireless local area network (WLAN) product portfolio with the introduction of its new IEEE 802.11g industry standard compliant baseband processor with an integrated media access controller (MAC). The new chip can be used in a variety of products including wireless access points, routers, Ethernet adapters and network interface cards for personal computers. Both Conexant's previously announced 802.11b and new 802.11g devices are offered as standalone devices or can be combined with Conexant's home network processors, ADSL and cable modem chipsets to provide integrated WLAN/broadband semiconductor system solutions for the digital home.

"Wireless connectivity is becoming an essential home networking technology, and the introduction of our 802.11g chip further strengthens our comprehensive portfolio of semiconductor solutions for this important market segment," said Peter Kempf, vice president of Wireless Data and Networking Components for Conexant. "Regardless of the type of access desired, Conexant provides wireless LAN and consumer electronics manufacturers with cost effective and highly secure silicon solutions that meet our customer's home networking entertainment and information product needs."

While dial-up is still the most prevalent method of accessing the Internet from a home network, a growing number of households are migrating to ADSL and cable modem technologies for high-speed access. Home networks that connect personal computers, printers, set-top boxes and personal video recording devices together through wireless technology are becoming commonplace. Alternative networking solutions such as HomePlug's powerline technology and HomePNA's phone line technology are also finding favor with consumers.

Conexant offers a suite of semiconductor solutions for this growing digital home information and entertainment network market. Key products include ADSL and cable modem solutions, home network processors, broadcast video encoders and decoders, digital set-top box components and systems solutions, and the company's foundation dial-up modem chips.

"In-Stat/MDR continues to see strong interest in consumer wireless networking for broadband sharing, but also increasingly in new entertainment applications such as network gaming and video distribution," said Mike Wolf, principal consumer connectivity analyst with In-Stat/MDR. "This intersection between wireless and entertainment networking means that there is a need for the higher speed connectivity enabled by such devices as Conexant's new 802.11g baseband/MAC, which enables richer and more bandwidth intensive applications. The addition of the 54 Mbps wireless networking silicon to Conexant's already broad consumer connectivity and broadband suite positions the company to better take advantage of the emerging opportunities in this quickly evolving market."

About the CX85510

The CX85510 supports data rates of up to 54 megabits per seconds (Mbps), the 802.11i security protocol, and has been designed to meet quality of service (QoS) standards for simultaneous transmission of voice, video and data. It is backward compatible with products and networks based on the 802.11b standard, which allows users to achieve the higher speed benefits provided by 802.11g using the existing infrastructure.

The device supports PCI 2.2/2.3, mini-PCI and 32-bit Cardbus host interfaces. The advanced radio interface supports automatic gain control (AGC) and antenna diversity, which allows designers to select from a variety of proven radios and use the one that best fits their needs. These features can lead to increased throughput, greater range and an overall more robust and cost-effective WLAN solution. The device also allows manufacturers to directly connect with Conexant's ADSL and cable modem semiconductor solutions.

The CX85510 includes on-chip standard random access memory (SRAM), which eliminates the need for external memory. This enables manufacturers to reduce system cost and the amount of space required for the layout of system components.

Conexant Systems Inc.

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