Airgo Networks, a start-up based in Palo Alto, California, unveiled its multiple antenna system for extending existing Wi-Fi rates to 108 Mbps per channel while remaining compatible with all common Wi-Fi standards. Airgo also claims its chips can cover a range two to six times that of competing WLAN chipsets.
Airgo’s design uses smart signal processing to handle Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) from multiple antennas.
Airgo Networks is now sampling a highly integrated two-chip set that includes a Baseband/MAC chip and an RF chip. The chipset is built with a scalable architecture that allows manufacturers to implement single antenna systems using just one RF chip or increase performance by adding additional RF chips.
The chipset supports 802.11 a, b, and g modes and also extends rates to 108 Mbps. It further incorporates the latest innovations from the IEEE 802.11 working group including (draft) TGi security and TGe quality of service features. Airgo said it is working with manufacturing partners to create ready-to-produce designs for access points as well as Cardbus, MiniPCI, and PCI clients.
http://www.airgonetworks.com
- Airgo Networks has raised $52 million from Accel Partners, Nokia Venture Partners, OVP Venture Funds, and Sevin Rosen Funds, among others. The company was founded in 2000.
Airgo’s founders include founders of Clarity Wireless, a company that revolutionized OFDM wireless technology and was acquired by Cisco Systems in 1998. Airgo’s founders also include key technologists from Agere.
