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Conexant-Intersil deal focuses on 802.11 wireless LAN technology
Under a recently inked memorandum of understanding, analog and wireless networking chip maker Intersil Corp., Irvine CA, will provide its PRISM Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless local area network (WLAN) technology to communications IC maker Conexant Systems Inc., Newport Beach CA, for integration into Conexant's next-generation digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable modems and home networking chip sets.
Integrating the WLAN technology into Conexant's semiconductor products will allow consumers to avoid the expense, time and trouble of having to purchase an add-in WLAN network interface card or a separate WLAN access point. This reduces the complexity and cost of WLAN products and further accelerates the proliferation of wireless networking in home and small office environments, the companies say.
Potential applications include adding wireless access points to DSL and cable modems to enable file sharing, voice over IP, video and digital media delivery in home, gaming and wireless web browsing applications.
New Device Supports Shared ADSL Access Over Wireless Networks
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., November 18, 2002 - Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, today announced the world’s first integrated asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) router and 802.11b wireless local area network (WLAN) single-chip semiconductor solution. The CX82340 allows multiple users to share a high-speed broadband connection to the Internet through a wireless network. The device also includes an Ethernet and universal serial bus (USB) connection, providing support for simultaneous operation across a full range of connectivity options.
“Consumer demand for shared wireless networking and high-speed ADSL broadband access is on the rise,” said Chee Kwan, vice president of DSL products for Conexant’s Broadband Communications Segment. “Service providers worldwide have recognized this trend, and are pressing manufacturers for integrated, cost-effective solutions that will allow them to address this growing market. By integrating the industry’s most popular wireless networking technology with our market-leading ADSL chip, we can provide manufacturers with a single-chip solution that will allow service providers to deliver enhanced services to new and existing customers.”
“Over time, the customer premise device will evolve to become an enhanced services platform, delivering connectivity to not just a stand-alone PC but to multiple devices,” said Mike Wolf, director of enterprise and residential communication for industry analyst firm In-Stat/MDR. “The integration of the leading broadband access technology with the fastest emerging home networking technology directly in silicon is a logical and welcome step in this evolution.”
The CX82340 is built on Conexant’s highly integrated, single-chip CX82310 ADSL bridge/router solution which features a scaleable architecture and is fully compliant with all major ADSL standards including T1.413 Issue 2, G.dmt, and G.lite Annex A and Annex B. The device is also interoperable with all major digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs). This broad level of compliance ensures that products based on the device can easily be integrated into the existing installed base, as well as new ADSL deployments.
Built on a 168MHz ARM940T core, the device includes an integrated 802.11b media access controller (MAC) and baseband processor based on Intersil’s industry-leading technology, a 10/100Mbps Ethernet MAC, and a USB 1.1 interface. Flash memory typically required by 802.11b solutions is not needed, which reduces system cost. Firmware for advanced applications such as IEEE 802.1X port-based access control, dynamic network address translation and web-based management is also included.
Conexant has one of the industry’s most comprehensive portfolios of products and technologies for broadband digital information and entertainment networks, including dial-up and broadband modems, home networking processors, set-top box systems and components, and a comprehensive suite of video and multimedia semiconductors and system solutions.
conexant.com
The CX82340 is available in sample quantities with volume production scheduled for the first quarter of 2003. The device is packaged in a 456-pin plastic ball grid array (PBGA), The complete system solution including the Intersil radio front-end components is priced at $40 in OEM volumes of 10,000 units. |
