TLDR
- Broadcom launched the industry’s first Wi-Fi 8 access point and switch solution for AI-ready enterprise networks
- The platform uses the BCM49438 accelerated processing unit chip and Trident X3+ BCM56390 Ethernet switch
- The solution features end-to-end security with MACsec across all ports and integrated edge AI acceleration
- The Trident X3+ switch doubles front-panel bandwidth to support up to 48 multi-gigabit ports
- Broadcom is currently sampling the complete Wi-Fi 8 solution to early access customers and partners
Broadcom announced Tuesday the release of what it calls the industry’s first Wi-Fi 8 access point and switch solution built for AI-ready enterprise networks. The semiconductor company, valued at $1.57 trillion, continues expanding its wireless technology portfolio.
The new enterprise-grade platform combines two key components. The BCM49438 accelerated processing unit chip powers the Wi-Fi 8 access point platform. The Trident X3+ BCM56390 Ethernet switch drives the enterprise switch platform.
This builds on Broadcom’s October 2025 launch of its first Wi-Fi 8 radios. The company designed these platforms to work together as a unified architecture.
Mark Gonikberg, senior vice president and general manager of Broadcom’s Wireless and Broadband Communications Division, said enterprises increasingly rely on AI for critical operations and security. He noted the growing demand for robust, intelligent, and secure network infrastructure.
The solution includes several technical features. It offers end-to-end security with MACsec implementation across all switch ports and access points. The platform provides extensive analytics capabilities. It also includes integrated edge AI acceleration, removing the need for separate processors.
Network Capacity and Security
The Trident X3+ switch platform doubles front-panel bandwidth compared to previous versions. This allows it to support up to 48 multi-gigabit ports for high-density Wi-Fi 8 deployments.
The switch integrates post-quantum cryptography-compliant MACsec across all ports. This addresses future security requirements as quantum computing advances.
Siân Morgan, research director at Dell’Oro Group, commented on the announcement. She said Broadcom’s new Wi-Fi 8 solution addresses many critical challenges facing modern enterprise networks.
Industry Partnerships
Broadcom included supporting statements from several major technology companies in its announcement. Executives from Arista Networks, Extreme Networks, HPE, and NETGEAR Enterprise are collaborating with Broadcom on implementing the technology.
The company is currently sampling the complete enterprise Wi-Fi 8 access point and switch solution. Early access customers and partners are receiving the BCM49438 APU with Wi-Fi 8 radio chips and Trident X3+ BCM56390 switch with multi-gigabit PHY and PoE PSE chips.
Broadcom reported gross profit margins of 77.33%. The company achieved revenue growth of 23.87% in the last twelve months.
The platform aims to maximize performance, efficiency, and security for Wi-Fi 8 wireless networks in enterprise environments. The unified architecture approach distinguishes this release from previous Wi-Fi solutions.
Analysts currently maintain a consensus rating of 1.22 (Strong Buy) on Broadcom stock. Some analysis suggests the company trades at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth.
Recent analyst updates include upgrades from Wolfe Research and Wells Fargo. Wolfe Research raised Broadcom to Outperform with a $400 price target. Wells Fargo upgraded to Overweight with a $430 price target.
Broadcom also recently announced the issuance of $4.5 billion in senior notes with various maturities. Interest rates range from 4.300% to 5.700%.
The company is sampling the complete Wi-Fi 8 solution to early access customers and partners, with the BCM49438 APU and Trident X3+ BCM56390 switch forming the core of the new architecture.
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