New chipset delivers six times DSL range

Intel today announced details of its new broadband-capable wireless chip, Rosedale, which is capable of broadcasting up to six times further than DSL.

Intel expects Rosedale will be the world's first "system-on-a-chip" modem based on the WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004) standard. WiMAX is capable of distances of up to 50km and speeds of 75MB per second.

Rosedale will include a 802.16-2004 modem, an integrated 10/100 network device, inline security processing and a TDM controller interface enabling data and voice streaming.

"High-speed DSL and cable broadband access are only available to a fraction of computer users globally," said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Broadband Wireless Group. "WiMAX will make it possible to build cost-effective, high-speed wireless connections to homes and businesses be they in urban or rural environments."

No release date has been set as yet, but Intel notes that the WiMAX Forum is expected to perform initial testing and certification in 2005.

Two weeks ago Fujitsu Microelectronics America announced a similar component for release in early 2005.