MANHASSET, N.Y. — Broadcom Corp. has launched wireless local area network (WLAN) chipsets to comply with the next-generation IEEE 802.11n specification.

Designated Intensi-fi, the chips are designed to deliver high performance and robust wireless connectivity, enabling next generation Wi-Fi devices to support emerging voice, video and data applications.

According to Broadcom (Irvine, Calif.) Intensi-fi technology incorporates all mandatory elements of the 802.11n draft specification passed by the IEEE Task Group N Thursday (Jan. 19). Broadcom said the technology is designed to be software upgradable once the standard is finalized.

The Intensi-fi chips support multiple simultaneous streams over multiple transmit and receive antennas to provide data rates of over 300 Mbps and more robust coverage than legacy 802.11 products--which use one transmitter and one receiver to support a single data stream. This provides sufficient bandwidth, range and reliability to deliver high-definition (HD) video to each room of a typical home.

"The forthcoming 802.11n standard will drive unprecedented growth for the Wi-Fi market and become the next mainstream WLAN technology," said Michael Hurlston, General Manager of Broadcom’s Home and Wireless Business Unit, in a statement.

The Intensi-fi solution includes a MAC/baseband chip and a radio chip that can be configured for various high-speed wireless applications. Broadcom also offers two network processors that allow customers to optimize cost versus performance for wireless router designs.

Broadcom is now sampling Intensi-fi chipsets, and is offering reference designs to speed development time for Wi-Fi device manufacturers.