Marvell Announces TopDog Family of 802.11n Products

By Laura Stotler

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Marvell has announced the Marvell TopDog family of 802.11n products for consumers, enterprises and mobile markets. NETGEAR products will be deployed based on the Marvell TopDog WLAN solutions, making them the first 802.11n IEEE draft compliant products to go to market.

 

TopDog WLAN silicon, software and reference platforms for access points and client adaptors are now available. The access points are for Gigabit Ethernet WLAN routers as well as DSL/cable triple-play gateways, while the client adaptors are for PC/laptop network cards, wireless HDTV adapters and IP set-top boxes.

 

The TopDog WLAN will also be available to power mobile handsets, game consoles, digital still cameras and other consumer devices. The platforms offer ease of use and multiple antennae configuration support including 3x3, 2x3, 2x2 and 1x2. The solutions enable connectivity for data intensive applications like wireless streaming of HDTV and multimedia content for the home.

 

NETGEARS products featuring the TopDog WLAN technology include wireless routers and PC client cards. The WLAN products offer data rates between 300 to 600 Mbps and Ethernet connectivity from 100Mbps to 1 Gbps.

"Marvell is the first semiconductor vendor to deliver 802.11n IEEE draft compliant, production silicon now. We are very pleased that NETGEAR has selected the Marvell TopDog WLAN platform," said Kishore Manghnani, vice president and general manager, Broadband Home Business Unit, Communications and Consumer Business Group. "The superior performance of Marvell TopDog WLAN makes it the technology of choice for ultra-high speed connectivity, and will enable multiple ecosystems of products within the consumer home, enterprise, and mobile markets. The launch of Marvell TopDog solidifies Marvell's technology and market leadership position in the 802.11 WLAN space."

"Our mission is to ensure that NETGEAR's customers will have great products that deliver the maximum speeds and stability required for throughput intensive multimedia applications which are at the heart of the digital, consumer lifestyle," said Mark Merrill, chief technical officer and co-founder of NETGEAR. "NETGEAR is excited to team with Marvell on our 802.11n draft compliant product family."

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