Broadcom's New StrataGX SoC Offers 5G Wi-Fi Optimization, Low Power Consumption

Broadcom Corporation recently introduced a new highly integrated processor system-on-a-chip (SoC) for enterprise access points (EAPs) that is specifically designed to optimize the latest IEEE 802.11ac standard, also referred to as 5G Wi-Fi. The StrataGX BCM58522 Series offers a high degree of processing power and advanced architectural features that allow for a secure, application-aware unified wired and wireless enterprise network.

Broadcom has unveiled a number of advanced single-chip solutions since the beginning of the year, including a Gigabit MoCA 2.0 solution that allows operators to deliver advanced MoCA 2.0 functionality into the full spectrum of broadband devices, and a cable digital-transport adapter (DTA) SoC that helps cable operators deploy HD-DTA cable services, while meeting FCC requirements.

"Our latest StrataGX Series continues the rapid expansion of the StrataGX portfolio with sophisticated new security features to protect networks from malware and other threats that continue to challenge the enterprise," said Ed Redmond, vice president and general manager of Compute and Connectivity at Broadcom. "Broadcom is delivering a highly integrated, power-efficient processor to enable the rapid adoption of BYOD and demand for 5G Wi-Fi in the enterprise."

The increasing number of connected devices and cloud-based applications has put a strain on legacy networks, particularly straining EAPs. Meanwhile, IT managers face greater security challenges due to the emergence of BYOD. The Broadcom StrataGX Series aims to address these challenges with integrated hardware cryptographic accelerators, virtual private network (VPN) support and sufficient control processing bandwidth, enabling high levels of performance.

Despite its advanced performance, the StrataGX BCM58522 Series reduces power consumption by up to 80 percent compared to previous generation devices, while meeting the size constraints of EAPs, thanks to its integrated dual-core ARM CPU, Ethernet switch, accelerator engines, high-speed I/O and memory interfaces. Furthermore, low-power modes allow the BCM58522 Series to be powered by IEEE 802.3af power over Ethernet (PoE).