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The Intensi-fi router and client reference designs from Broadcom Corp. have achieved the Wi-Fi Certified n designation from the Wi-Fi Alliance based on the IEEE 802.11n standard. The Wi-Fi Alliance also chose Broadcom’s BCM94718 and BCM943224 dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) router and client reference designs to be part of its Wi-Fi Certified n test bed, using them to test other 802.11n products for interoperability.

Prior to the IEEE’s recent ratification of 802.11n, the Wi-Fi Alliance tested products against draft 2.0 of the standard for interoperability with each other and with legacy 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g devices. More than 700 products have been certified under this program. With 802.11n’s ratification, the Wi-Fi Alliance has updated its program so “draft-certified” devices are considered compliant with the final 11n specification. The program tests a variety of optional features and modes that vendors are implementing for specific applications as well. 

According to Broadcom, 802.11n will be the key growth driver of the wireless local-area network (WLAN) market because it offers better performance than legacy Wi-Fi technologies. With it, devices will be able to support new applications like video distribution throughout the home and content accessibility on handheld devices. Also, the company says that Wi-Fi Certified n testing will reduce buyer confusion and signify interoperability between devices as product diversification grows.

Broadcom says that routers and client devices equipped with its 802.11n solutions provide ample bandwidth for several high-definition (HD) video streams, plus Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, gaming, and other multimedia applications. To maintain HD video connections throughout the home, Intesi-fi chips use a unique receiver architecture to provide the highest-quality radio signals of any solution on the market, Broadcom says.

As a result, the company adds, manufacturers can achieve superior performance with a 2-by-2 antenna configuration without additional costs for more antennas. Broadcom further says that the Intensi-fi technology offers more 5-GHz channel options than competing 802.11n chipsets. Its quality-of-service (QoS) techniques enhance wireless voice and video applications, the company says, and help Wi-Fi routers prioritize audio, video, and voice traffic on a wireless network.