AMD's high-performance, low-power processor selected to enable next-generation wireless switching access points
November 5, 2003- Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. announced the AMD AlchemyTM Au1500TM processor has been selected by Bandspeed, Inc. to power its 940K Series Gypsy Wireless Access Point Switch. Bandspeed provides Wireless LAN infrastructure solutions that deliver standards-based, ultra-high performance access points for users in environments such as enterprises, campuses, hot spots, and wireless service provider networks. Bandspeed is already experiencing increasing levels of global customer interest, most recently with the customer announcement of United Platform Technologies (China) Ltd. (UP Tech). UP Tech plans to use the Gypsy wireless LAN technology to build wireless switch access points (AP) for boxes for major carriers in China.Bandspeed's Wireless Access Point Switch is a next-generation solution that enables the deployment of spatial division multiple access (SDMA) sectorized switching in IEEE 802.11a, b and g wireless LAN access points (APs). The Gypsy's design places the switching function at the access point, providing a form factor similar to conventional APs. Targeted for high-density users and long-range applications, it addresses the needs of customers that require increased coverage or bandwidth in their wireless environment. The AMD Alchemy Au1500 processor's high-performance capabilities are designed to handle the sustained data loads from Bandspeed's multiple 802.11a/b/g network interface cards. Additionally, the low-power functionality of the Au1500 processor is critical in enabling Power over Ethernet (PoE).
The Gypsy utilizes wireless LAN SDMA switch technology and provides up to six times greater throughput than conventional APs. Its antenna is divided into six sectors that behave as independent coverage areas, providing up to three-kilometer line-of-site range and a high-capacity mode that provides the bandwidth of up to six conventional APs. The Au1500 processor provides Bandspeed with the performance required to support custom applications such as Listen+Learn technology, which allows multiple Gypsy enabled units to collaboratively select channelization schemes by listening and learning from one another. Since the Gypsy can replace multiple conventional APs, a customer's total cost of ownership can be lowered by reducing expensive installation and capital acquisition costs associated with wireless LAN deployment.
About the AMD AlchemyTM Au1500TM processor
The AMD AlchemyTM Au1500TM processor is a MIPS32TM technology-based system on a chip (SOC) processor, and is available at speeds of 333MHz, 400MHz and 500MHz, with power dissipations of less than 400 milliwatts, 700 milliwatts and 1.2 watts, respectively. With highly integrated system peripherals, including a 33/66MHz 32-bit PCI Controller (PCI 2.2 compatible), two 10/100 Ethernet Controllers, Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device and Host, two UARTs, an AC-97 controller and a PCMCIA controller, the Au1500 processor can provide lower system costs, and can enable smaller form factors, simpler designs and shorter design cycles.
The Au1500 processor's integrated dual Ethernet MACs (Media Access Controllers) help to enable secure firewall functionality for use with today's broadband Internet access. Its integrated USB host and device ports enable user-friendly PC peripheral applications, and its Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) allows system design flexibility for home and small office networking products.
For more information on the Au1500 processor, please go to: www.amd.com/connectivitysolutions/au1500.
About AMD AlchemyTM Solutions
The AMD Alchemy Solutions product line includes the Au1000TM, Au1500TM and Au1100TM processors, development board kits and the Mobile Handheld, Driver Information, Access Equipment, and Portable Media Tablet reference design kits. These products target non-PC Internet appliance markets, including client devices, mobile client devices, set-top boxes and access devices.
