Broadcom have today announced the release of two new, fifth generation WiFi chips. The flagship BCM4359 allows devices to connect to WiFi routers via both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies simultaneously. Broadcom’s new 2×2 MIMO chip, the BCM4359, includes the catchy-sounding RSDB (Real Simultaneous Dual Band) technology as the backbone behind the ability to send and receive over two bands at the same time. This new chip will allow devices to connect and operate at much higher speeds and reduced latencies. To help the device navigate the congested WiFi radio waves, the chip supports Dynamic Frequency Selection, a technology that allows the device to utilize additional channels in order to maintain a faster connection with less interference. The BCM4359 also includes Broadcom’s Narrow Band technology, a proprietary system that can double the range between device and router. When used in conjunction with Broadcom’s new router chipsets, the BCM4359 gives customers “an end-to-end solution that can unlock the benefits of next-generation MU MIMO technology.” In addition to the high performance WiFi networks, the BCM4359 also includes Bluetooth 4.1 and FM Radio.
Broadcom also announced a more cost effective fifth generation WiFi combination chip designed for mass market smartphones, the BCM43455. This chip also includes Bluetooth 4.1 and FM Radio and can operate on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands too, but offers approximately half the WiFi performance of the BCM4359 chip.
David Recker, Broadcom’s Senior Director of Wireless Connectivity, said this on the new WiFi chips: “Our new BCM4359 chip extends Broadcom’s leadership in high-performance MIMO technology. As Wi-Fi and Bluetooth continue to advance and adoption continues to skyrocket, consumers have come to expect a flawless experience when connecting wirelessly. By enabling smartphones and tablets to simultaneously operate in more than one unlicensed frequency spectrum, this advanced 5G WiFi MIMO combo architecture ensures the most highly connected users have the most optimal experience.” Both the BCM4359 and BCM43455 chips are being produced in sampling quantities.
Do you have a 5 GHz router and enough devices to notice a deterioration in WiFi performance? Is a device’s WiFi capability an important factor when looking to buy a new device or upgrade it? Let us know in the comments below.