Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in wired and wireless broadband communications semiconductors, today announced that its Wi-Fi Phone reference platform now includes SecureEasySetup(TM) software that enables consumers to effortlessly install their wireless IP phones with the push of a button. Broadcom is demonstrating its SecureEasySetup software on a Wi-Fi phone connected to a Linksys router at the VON Conference & Expo, from March 7-10 in San Jose, California.The Broadcom SecureEasySetup software radically simplifies the installation of wireless IP phones and other Wi-Fi devices enabling users to configure their Wi-Fi phones by simply pushing a button on the wireless router or access point, and a button on the handset. The phone automatically connects to the wireless network and Wi-Fi Protected Access(TM) (WPA(TM)) security activates. WPA is the strongest security standard for protecting home wireless networks from unauthorized use.
"The convergence of VoIP and wireless LAN technology enables a new realm of consumer products that enhance our lives including Wi-Fi Phones that offer enhanced voice and data experiences such as sharing images, video, music and security monitoring," said Patrick Sullivan, Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's VoIP Business Unit. "SecureEasySetup software is another example of Broadcom innovation that will help accelerate the adoption of consumer VoIP by removing the complexities of installing wireless IP devices, while providing WPA security on all devices within a home network."
SecureEasySetup software addresses the challenges of network set-up and makes it easier than ever to protect a Wi-Fi network from unauthorized use. According to an independent study from Socratic Technologies, Inc. that compared the configuration of a secure Wi-Fi network using SecureEasySetup software versus traditional installation, more than 98 percent of the test subjects were able to quickly set-up and establish a WPA-secure Wi-Fi connection using SecureEasySetup software. By contrast, only 19 percent of the study participants successfully set up wireless security using traditional tools, with as many as 75 percent ignoring the security features built into their Wi-Fi products due to the complexities of set-up.
Linksys and HP have announced support for SecureEasySetup software, which will soon be featured in Linksys wireless LAN equipment, select HP notebooks and future HP-networked printers. Additional equipment vendors plan to integrate SecureEasySetup software into a wide variety of peripheral devices and consumer electronics ranging from notebook PCs, wireless routers and broadband modems.
Broadcom's Wi-Fi Phone Chipset and Availability
Broadcom's two-chip Wi-Fi phone solution includes the BCM1160 mobile VoIP processor and BCM4318 AirForce One(TM) 54g(TM) chip. These two chips are shipping today in volume production. Together, they enable a complete wireless IP Phone solution that supports advanced security and quality of service standards such as WPA, WPA2 and WMM. This chipset also supports Broadcom's BroadRange(TM) technology for improved wireless range and coverage.