Broadcom introduces 64-bit quad-core router processor

Attempting to address the needs of a next-generation household that streams UltraHD video and has myriad IoT-enabled appliances connected to the Internet, Broadcom is introducing a new system on a chip (SoC) for routers equipped with a 1.8 GHz, 64-bit quad-core ARM CPU.

The BCM4908 uses Broadcom's Runner network packet processor to deliver more than 5 Gbps of system data throughput. Broadcom said it is also designed to handle increased network speeds of service coming into the home, including Google Fiber and Comcast 2 Gbps Gigabit Pro service via a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet PHY. The BCM4908 pairs with Broadcom's BCM4366 wave 2 5G Wi-Fi MU-MIMO to deliver more than 3.4 Gbps of simultaneous Wi-Fi throughput.

"With this new SoC, Broadcom is driving home network connectivity to the next level," said Manny Patel, Broadcom director of marketing, wireless connectivity. "By increasing the CPU performance and adding advanced features, we're enabling OEMs to build more powerful home routers that address the increased bandwidth requirements needed to support the continued consumption of high-bandwidth content, growing demand for UltraHD as well as the growing emergence of more IoT and smart home applications." Release