Broadcom software simplifies WPA for home users

The company said its SecureEZSetup software is a wizard that eliminates the need for home users to remember long Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) passwords. Instead, the wizard prompts the user with two personal questions, which are easier to remember than long passwords, the company said.

After the user answers the questions, the wizard registers the user's PC on the network and installs WPA keys at both ends of the connection. In addition, network traffic is encrypted.

The software only simplifies WPA security for users of networking products that use Broadcom chipsets, the company said. However, once the SecureEZSetup authentication process is completed, the Broadcom equipment will interoperate with Wi-Fi certified products from other vendors, the company said.

Broadcom also announced a power amplifier module that enables developers of Wi-Fi products to increase the output power of their products, which, in turn, can increase range, the company said. The company said the module can increase Wi-Fi distances as much as 50 percent when used in conjunction with routers and access points also based on Broadcom's technology.