Core powers wireless LAN chipset to speed record

WLANPlus is a new wireless LAN chipset based on the MIPS32 4KEc processor core that supports multimedia over the proposed IEEE 802.11n standard at record speeds.

Long-time MIPS Technologies licensee Metalink has expanded its line of MIPS-based solutions with WLANPlus - a new wireless LAN chipset based on the MIPS32 4KEc processor core that supports multimedia over the proposed IEEE 802.11n standard at record speeds.

"We have chosen to use the MIPS32 4KEc core in Metalink's new WLANPlus chipset due to its high performance".

"MIPS Technologies' 4KEc core has the capabilities necessary for our application, and provides a cost-effective solution for our needs", said Noam Benayahu, Director of VLSI with Metalink.

According to Metalink, WLANPlus is the first "real" MIMO-based (multiple-input multiple-output) wireless chipset designed to deliver data throughput of more than 240Mbit/s over the air with full-home coverage for video-distribution applications.

It can be embedded in digital video recorders (DVRs), set-top boxes (STBs), high-definition televisions (HDTVs), media adapters and other consumer electronics products to enable seamless multimedia connectivity throughout the home.

"High-quality wireless multimedia distribution throughout the home will give consumers tremendous convenience and flexibility, and Metalink offers a compelling solution with its new MIPS-based WLAN chipset", said Brad Holtzinger, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at MIPS Technologies.

"By exploiting the capabilities of the 4KEc core, Metalink's design team is able to boost performance and optimise their 802.11n application in ways they couldn't do with other industry-standard cores".

Metalink has licences for three of MIPS Technologies' 32bit cores, which have been used to develop a growing portfolio of cost-effective, high-performance networking solutions.

The MIPS32 4Km and MIPS32 M4K cores have been implemented in Metalink's DSL chips, one of which includes nine cores.

The 4KEc core was used for the first time by the company in its WLANPlus chipset, which marked Metalink's entry into the WLAN market.

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