Broadcom Chip Offers More Power, Less Cost

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

The chips will be used predominantly in devices known as fast-ethernet switches aimed at the small-office/home-office market. This market has grown rapidly and become more competitive recently, analysts said, as hardware companies have attempted to create one device--or a series of products connected together--that can offer all the networking solutions a business customer might need.

The announcement further expands Broadcom’s computer-networking product line, which accounts for 40% of the chip maker’s business.