Unlike previous generations of Wi-Fi that focused on speed, the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 standard (IEEE 802.11bn) focuses on enabling Ultra High Reliability (UHR), consistency, and lower latency in real-world, interference-prone environments.
Broadcom is taking on the Wi-Fi 8 opportunity full force. As AI reshapes how data moves, Broadcom is taking on Wi-Fi 8 with its recently launched BCM4918 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) and two new dual-band Wi-Fi 8 devices, the BCM6714 and BCM6719.
In this episode, we talked to two key members of Broadcom’s Wi-Fi group about how it is addressing the emerging Wi-Fi 8 opportunity:
Chris Szymanski, director of product marketing for the Wireless Broadband Communications for Broadcom
And
Kevin Narimatsu, associate director of product marketing for Wireless Broadband Communications at Broadcom
Here's a timeline of the interview's key moments:
Opening | 0:00
Host introduction of guests | 0:03
Broadcom’s CES perspective | 0:44
Szymanski shares his views about the show’s Wi-Fi trends.
Broadcom’s Wi-Fi 8 ecosystem | 2:12
Narimatsu talks about Broadcom’s new Wi-Fi 8 chips: the BCM 6719 and the BCM 6714.
The AI factor | 3:53
Szymanski discusses how AI is impacting next-gen Wi-Fi.
Enterprise Wi-Fi trends | 7:10
Szymanski discusses how to deliver seamless Wi-Fi performance for enterprises.
Broadcom’s multi-band Wi-Fi support | 11:18
Narimatsu explains that integrating multiple bands enables it to offer a platform at a similar cost point to Wi-Fi 7.
Addressing vertical markets | 12:19
Szymanski discusses how Broadcom licenses its Wi-Fi technology to adjacent markets, such as automotive.
Addressing cost-sensitive Wi-Fi markets | 14:29
Narimatsu sees opportunities for Broadcom to accommodate the unique broadband market dynamics in Europe and other regions.
Final thoughts and closing |16:37
Szymanski and Narimatsu provide their final thoughts about their new Wi-Fi platforms and how the market will continue to evolve.
About our guests
Chris Szymanski, director of product marketing for the Wireless Broadband Communications for Broadcom
Christopher Szymanski is Director of Product Marketing for Broadcom Inc.’s Mobile Connectivity Division, with a focus on technology strategy, spectrum policy, regulatory affairs, and standards development. Szymanski serves as Director on the Wi-Fi Alliance Board and the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Board. Prior to taking on this role, Szymanski served as Global Trade Compliance Officer, Director of Global Regulatory Affairs, and Secretary of the Political Activity Committee (PAC) for Broadcom Corporation.
Before joining Broadcom, Szymanski lived in China for over four years, serving in a compliance and government relations role for a semiconductor foundry. For the last three of those years in China, he also served as co-chair of the Export Compliance Working Group (ECWG) of the American Chamber of Commerce to improve the U.S.-China high-tech trade relationship. Prior to working in China, Szymanski served on Capitol Hill for Congressman Don Manzullo, the House Committee on Small Business, and the U.S.-China Interparliamentary Exchange, advising on manufacturing, trade, and defense policies and accompanying and hosting official delegations to and from China. Szymanski received his master’s in business administration (MBA) from the Washington University Olin School of Business, with a focus on leadership in China.
And
Kevin Narimatsu, associate director of product marketing for Wireless Broadband Communications at Broadcom
Narimatsu leads Broadcom’s business development and product marketing team focused on the WLAN retail and service-provider router and OTT video streaming markets. During his tenure at Broadcom, he also served as the associate director of business development for Japan and as the Cisco account manager. Earlier in his career, he held sales and engineering roles at Vitesse Semiconductor and LSI Logic. Narimatsu holds a bachelor’s degree, Electrical Engineering and Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
About the Podcast
In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address key issues affecting the optical and broadband industries. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com/.
About the Author
Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategy of Lightwave across its website, email newsletters, events, and other information products.