WLAN VoIP router offers 3G USB modem support

Broadcom Corp. is rolling out the Intensi-fi XLR WLAN VoIP router SoC platform solutions with enhanced features that include 3G support. System OEMs can now leverage Broadcom wireless silicon integration and a proven VoIP software suite to develop advanced routers. 3G functionality can be added to these new platform solutions using a USB interface, bringing Internet and network services to homes where broadband is otherwise unavailable.3G USB modems enable consumers to utilize their cellular network to create an instant Wi-Fi hotspot for whole home Internet and VoIP services. According to InStat, revenues from external 3G modems alone will reach $2.34 billion globally by the end of 2010.
Running a VoIP stack on the wireless router enables consumers to make high quality phone calls over the Internet. VoIP routers bring cost benefits to consumers since calls are charged as part of the Internet service instead of a separate regular telephone charge. Added services like multiple lines, conference call and caller ID are also provided at no additional charge as part of typical VoIP offerings.
Broadcom's 802.11n design platform with external 3G support includes router options for low-end to high-end solutions as follows:
• BCM5356U—single-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n router SoC solution
• BCM5358U—dual-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n router SoC solution
• BCM5358—a dual-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n router SoC solution with VoIP support
• BCM47186—dual-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n high-performance Gigabit Ethernet router SoC solution with VoIP support
To provide a strong wireless backbone for the networked home, Broadcom optimized this new 802.11n router platform with Accelerange technology—a unique set of hardware and software enhancements that ensures more robust wireless coverage.
The powerful 533MHz MIPS32 74K core CPU memory subsystem architecture allows for consistently enhanced voice quality even under high Internet data traffic conditions.
Broadcom uses a 65nm CMOS design process and a high level of integration to reduce the number of system components on-chip, which in turn, lowers the rest-of-bill-of-materials cost by up to 35 percent. These new router SoC solutions further reduce cost by using two-layer PCBs, making high-end routers more affordable to consumers.
The new Intensi-fi XLR platform builds upon the architecture of Broadcom's current 802.11n platform, and maintains data rates of up to 300Mbit/s.
The new SoC solutions include interface to support 3G and 4G technologies including WiMAX and LTE (long term evolution) WAN connectivity. The router SoCs also pack integrated IEEE 802.11n CPU/MAC/BB/Radio, memory controller, five-port Fast Ethernet switch and 2.4GHz power amplification circuit. The solutions integrate USB 2.0 host port that can be used for storage and print server applications as well as Low-power modes for a green router footprint.
"By optimizing our wireless solutions for popular consumer use cases, Broadcom is able to address growing industry trends in wireless routers including support for external wide area wireless networking (3G, WiMAX and LTE) and the ability to run a high quality VoIP stack. This product family not only supports these two new features, but also provides best in class system integration and wireless performance," said Michael Hurlston, senior VP and general manager, Broadcom's WLAN line of business.

http://tiny.cc/gioya