The integration of Intersil’s PRISM Wi-Fi (802.11b) WLAN technology into broadband modems will allow consumers to avoid the expense, time and trouble of having to purchase an add-in WLAN network interface card or a separate WLAN access point. This reduces the complexity and cost of WLAN solutions and further accelerates the proliferation of wireless networking in home and small office environments. Potential applications include adding wireless access points to DSL and cable modems to enable file sharing, voice over IP, video and digital media delivery in home, gaming and wireless web browsing applications.
The addition of Wi-Fi (802.11b) to our technology portfolio will enable us to offer DSL modems, cable modems and home network processor solutions with integrated wireless local area network functionality, said F. Matthew Rhodes, president of Conexant’s Broadband Communications Segment. Intersil’s PRISM WLAN chip set is widely recognized as the world’s leading silicon solution for wireless networking systems. Combining their WLAN technology into our broadband products provides our customers with highly integrated, cost-effective WLAN solutions ranging from embedded wireless access points to integrated access platforms. This will facilitate expanded service offerings, and provide end-users with a new level of convenience in their broadband experience.
Datamonitor expects global revenues from wLAN technology to rise to $3.2 billion in 2005 from $1.4 billion in 2001. Since the price of wLAN technology will continue to decline during this period, the overall number of wLAN shipments will increase dramatically.
The demand for integrated WLAN solutions, such as those Conexant will offer, is growing at a rapid rate. We’re pleased that Conexant has selected our PRISM WLAN technology for integration into their next-generation DSL modems, cable modems and home networking chip sets, said Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager of Intersil’s Wireless Networking Product Group. Intersil is committed to providing our customers a complete, quickly deployable solution that enables them to bring reliable, high-quality and cost-efficient WLAN products to market before their competitors start their designs.
