Broadcom announces new feature-rich 802.11n VoIP router solutions with 3G USB modem support

IRVINE, USA: Broadcom Corp. has announced its new Intensi-fi XLR wireless LAN (WLAN) VoIP router system-on-a-chip (SoC) platform solutions with enhanced features that include 3G support, industry leading performance and best-in-class power consumption.

System OEMs can now leverage unparalleled 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:
* The Broadcom BCM5356U (a single-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n router SoC solution).
* The BCM5358U (a dual-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n router SoC solution).
* The BCM5358 (a dual-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n router SoC solution with VoIP support).
* The BCM47186 (a dual-stream 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11n high-performance Gigabit Ethernet router SoC solution with VoIP support).