Ethernet Switch Integrates Transceivers On-Chip

The BCM5324 is a 24-port Fast Ethernet (FE) switch that integrates 24-port FE physical layer (PHY) transceivers and 2-port Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) media access controllers (MAC) on a single chip tailored for small- to medium-size business networking applications. The FE ports support up to 24 work-group desktop computer users and the GbE ports can be used as connections to file servers or uplinks. On-chip packet and buffer control memory eliminate the need for external memory. With up to four enhanced quality of service (QOS) queues per port, the switch handles multimedia applications such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), streaming video and data traffic. The switch also supports Web-smart technology and Power-Over Ethernet (PoE) applications for wireless LAN and IP phones. Price is under $2.00/port in volume quantities. BROADCOM CORP., Irvine, CA. (408) 922-8160.