Designing Enterprise-Class Wireless Access Points and Residential Gateways

The higher data rates and advanced services expected of next-generation 802.11n (Wi-Fi) and WiMAX-based wireless Enterprise Access Points (APs) and residential gateways require engineers to reconsider how they approach AP design. This white paper outlines the new challenges 802.11n technology brings and how the PowerPC 405EX and 405EXr from AMCC meet them. Specific topics addressed include the introduction of high-performance processors into access point architectures; migrating to PCI Express; enhancing network security; achieving maximum power efficiency; optimizing design; minimizing system cost; and enabling future standard evolution and next generation APs.