Broadcom Offers Faster Chip

Expanding its presence in computer networking, Irvine-based Broadcom Corp. will announce today a new chip that will pack more power--at a cheaper price--in hardware devices that route data traffic.

The chip will be used predominantly in devices, known as Fast-Ethernet switches, aimed at the small-office or home-office market, analysts said. This market has grown rapidly and become more competitive recently, according to analysts, as hardware companies have attempted to create one device--or a series of connected products--that offer networking solutions for business customers.

The announcement further expands Broadcom’s computer networking product line, which accounts for 40% of the chip maker’s current business. Broadcom has exclusive relationships with some big-name makers of computer networking equipment, cable modems and television set-top boxes. Some customers that are already shipping Broadcom products include 3Com, Bay Networks, and Cisco Systems.