Wifi Revolution

Broadcom has announced a new version of its InConcert wireless technology that enables co-existence between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in netbooks and notebooks.

“Our InConcert technology allows a new level of co-existence between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios to deliver a more enjoyable user experience,” said Nambi Seshadri, vice president and chief technology officer for mobile and wireless connectivity at Broadcom (News - Alert), in a release.

The newest version applies adaptive algorithms that identify wireless use cases to improve 802.11n throughputs while servicing various Bluetooth devices.

The connection requirements for various Bluetooth applications vary dramatically, with some requiring low latency and others needing a predetermined minimum throughput. Company officials said that Broadcom InConcert co-existence algorithms take these factors into account while servicing a combination of different Bluetooth devices in the presence of an active Wi-Fi link.

The new version of InConcert has incorporated several enhancements, including performance optimizations, particularly for 802.11n rates; improvement in Wi-Fi throughput when simultaneously listening to audio over Bluetooth; minimal to no impact on Wi-Fi throughput when operating a Bluetooth mouse; and more.

In addition, InConcert also includes technology components that enhance performance of standards-based capabilities, such as the high-speed transfer functionality enabled by Bluetooth 3.0 + HS.

The co-existence problem posed by the new standard has been addressed to provide reliable Bluetooth file transfer throughputs while at the same time enabling the use of wireless peripherals such as mouse and stereo headset devices.

Additionally, the new InConcert implementation design is expected to provide a satisfying user experience when the forthcoming Wi-Fi Direct standard becomes available. Company officials said that this will allow 802.11n data rates between two Wi-Fi Direct devices while at the same time servicing various Bluetooth peripherals.

The new version of InConcert is now available and shipping to prominent netbook and notebook manufacturers worldwide along with Broadcom’s InConcert combo modules -- BCM94312HMGB, BCM943225HMB and BCM943224HMB.

Broadcom is a provider of semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. The company’s products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment.

“As Wi-Fi and Bluetooth collaboration becomes more commonplace in mobile devices, Broadcom is innovating to obscure the complexity of these sophisticated communications systems so device and software developers can more easily build wireless capabilities into their products,” said Seshadri.

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