This reference design enables wireless access point system designers and manufacturers to overcome many of the design challenges associated with next-generation systems. By introducing high-performance, low-cost, low-power microprocessors into 802.11n access points, AMCC is helping designers support higher-frequency radios, higher data rates, a greater number of end users, new security standards, Power over Ethernet, voice, video and other applications.
The reference design comprises two key elements: the Managed Access Point Software product (MAPS) from TeamF1, an industry leader in embedded security and wireless software, and the “Makalu” network appliance hardware reference design platform, developed for AMCC by Senao Networks.
The Makalu network appliance reference design features a form factor of 151 mm D x 264 mm W x 43.1 mm H, and was developed for AMCC by Senao Networks, a Taiwan-based ODM with extensive experience in enterprise WLAN products. The AMCC PowerPC 405EX processor operates at a clock frequency of 600 MHz, and features 256 MByte of DDR2 SDRAM, 64 MByte of NOR flash, two mini PCI Express connectors, two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, one USB 2.0 port, one serial port, one JTAG connector, and one trace connector. The flash image includes Linux® 2.6 kernel and U-Boot boot firmware, both provided by Denx Software Engineering, along with a file system that incorporates TeamF1’s MAPS firmware.
MAPS is a comprehensive production-ready software package that combines the latest 802.11 wireless standards with field-proven networking and security components. With MAPS, OEMs can easily differentiate their Wi-Fi™ AP products by choosing from a wide range of advanced networking and security modules available from TeamF1 as part of its SMBware platform. The key features of MAPS include: dual-band, multimode networks (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz) capable of delivering high-performance throughput; Power over Ethernet (PoE); Wireless Distribution System (WDS), advanced 802.11 security standards, including WEP, WPA, WPA2 (802.11i), for any generation of wireless security in Personal and Enterprise modes; Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM), which provides improved quality of service over wireless connections for better video and voice performance; and comprehensive management capabilities, with SNMP plus 802.11 MIB support, which enable network administrators to remotely and seamlessly configure, update, and monitor multiple devices.
AMCC provides a fully packaged reference design kit that includes a Makalu reference design board configured with two 802.11a/b/g/n radio cards, an evaluation copy of the TeamF1 MAPS software, a power adapter, all necessary cables and comprehensive user documentation. By following straightforward directions, users can set up the reference design, configure a few system settings and achieve a fully-functional enterprise access point within minutes after unpacking the unit. Detailed MAPS and Makalu user’s manuals explain all the hardware and software configuration options that are supported and assist customers in fine-tuning the design to meet their specific product needs.
“We are delighted to announce this reference design resulting from our strategic partnerships with TeamF1 and Senao,” said Charlie Ashton, Director of Enablement at AMCC. “Our PowerPC 405EX processor has achieved tremendous success in wireless LAN applications, and we are confident that by providing this comprehensive reference design we will enable our customers to minimize their time-to-market for deploying 405EX-based products.”
“We are very excited to enable advanced, high-performance wireless solutions on AMCC platforms for our mutual customers,” said Mukesh Lulla, President of TeamF1. “Our partnership with Senao and AMCC offers OEM customers a low risk, cost-effective and production-ready design that they can take to market faster.”
“It is our pleasure to partner with AMCC to jointly develop reference designs for AMCC’s PowerPC 405EX family,” said Dr. J. C. Chen, Vice President – R&D, of Senao Networks. “I am confident that through this cooperation among AMCC, Senao and TeamF1, AMCC’s power Architecture processor family will continue to achieve great market success.”
Pricing and Availability
AMCC’s enterprise wireless LAN access point reference design kit is available now and may be ordered from AMCC or any authorized distributor using the part number RD-405EX-KIT-01. The suggested distributor resale price is $750. For more information, please contact your local AMCC sales office at http://www.amcc.com/Sales/.
Customers can license the MAPS software directly from TeamF1, either as a standard product configured as in AMCC’s reference design or as a customized version with features added or omitted in line with specific end product needs.
Customers wishing to use the Makalu hardware design as the baseline for their own product can download the complete hardware design package free of charge from AMCC’s website at http://www.amcc.com/Embedded/downloads/Makalu_AP. Customers will also be able to purchase complete productized versions of the access point in volume quantities directly from Senao.
About AMCC
AMCC provides leadership semiconductor solutions to process, transport, and store digital information for the world's wired and wireless networks. As a leading supplier of Power Architecture™-based processors and with world-class expertise in SONET and Ethernet protocol processing, PHY technology, Storage processors and RAID controllers, our products are the foundation of the IP Communications Revolution. AMCC's 3ware® SAS and SATA RAID controllers deliver cost-effective, high-performance, high-capacity storage for enterprises and consumers worldwide in applications like disk-to-disk backup, near-line storage, network-attached storage (NAS), video, and high-performance computing. For further information regarding AMCC, please visit our website at http://www.amcc.com.
About TeamF1
TeamF1, Inc., a privately held corporation headquartered in Fremont, Calif., is a leader in high-performance embedded networking and security software for wired and wireless applications. TeamF1’s products in this category include stand-alone components or turnkey solutions. TeamF1's products enable secure networking of telecom/datacom and industrial equipment, and provide the infrastructure components needed for switching and wireless products in various market segments. For more information visit the company's website at http://www.TeamF1.com or contact TeamF1 Public Relations at 510-505-9931 or email pr _at_ TeamF1.com.
About Senao
Senao Networks, based in Tao-Yuan, Taiwan, is a subsidiary of Senao International Co., Ltd., with a focus on OEM/ODM of SOHO and business-class wireless communications and wire line networking products. Senao International, founded in 1979, is the largest cellular phone distributor in Taiwan and a subsidiary of Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), the incumbent PSTN, broadband and cellular service provider of Taiwan. Senao Networks designs and manufactures voice and data communications products, including indoor and outdoor WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WPBX (Wireless Private Branching Exchange), PLAM (Private Local Area Mobile phone), broadband routers and switches. With its ISO9001- and TL-9000-certified SMT production facility in Taiwan, Senao is known for supplying industry-leading quality products as well as customer/technical support. For more information about Senao Networks, please visit www.senao.com or e-mail Email Contact.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as expects, anticipates, plans, believes, estimates, will or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the products discussed in this press release, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the risk that the products may not be successfully or timely developed, completed or manufactured or achieve market acceptance, risks relating to general economic conditions, as well as the risks and uncertainties set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in the Company’s other SEC filings. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and AMCC does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
AMCC and 3ware are registered trademarks of APPLIED MICRO CIRCUITS CORPORATION. Power Architecture is a trademark licensed by Power.org. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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