To address market’s need to embed wireless LAN access points (APs) in desktop PCs, gaming consoles and other consumer oriented devices, Marvell has unveiled a new chipset. Called LiveAP, the new chipset embeds WLAN APs to enable desktops, media center PCs and emerging home gateway devices to become the center of the home network.

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With LiveAP, wireless users will remain connected to the Internet even if the device is turned off. With previous versions of embedded APs, otherwise known as "Soft APs," the wireless user had to leave the host PC or device on to have access to the Internet. This limitation defeated the ease of use and sense of freedom commonly associated with wireless products. The always-on feature is the key enabler that allows media center PCs and other host devices to become the center of the networked home.

LiveAP offers a seamless operation regardless of whether the host device is on or off. It does this through an extremely low-power design that can use the “standby” current from the host device to remain fully active even when the device is off. LiveAP also supports the latest wireless security mechanisms, such as WPA, WPA2, and 802.11i AES security extensions, for ensuring home networks are secure and tamper-resistant. LiveAP can also be upgraded with future WLAN security standards once they become available, according to the supplier.

“User needs and increased WLAN applications are driving our customers to look for new ways to enhance and expand the role of the home PC,” said James Chen, Marvell product marketing manager for WLAN. “LiveAP offers an impressive array of features and new technology that make it a good fit for not only home PCs but also other devices which would benefit from an always-on connection.”

Marvell will be demonstrating the LiveAP technology at the upcoming Networld+Interop Show, in Las Vegas, May 11-13, 2004. According to Marvell, the reference design for LiveAP will be available in the second half of the year.