X-bit labs

Intel ICH6W – Wi-Fi Supporting ICH.

Category: Chipsets

by Anton Shilov

[ 12/03/2003 | 05:09 PM ]

More details transpired about Intel’s WLAN capabilities in 2004 platforms. Apparently, all necessary Wi-Fi logic may be integrated directly into Intel’s I/O Controller Hub – the new one with the feature will be called ICH6W.

ICH6W-Caswell enables Intel Integrated AP technology, which, along with certain integrated Intel and 3^rd party solutions is targeted to provide a low cost and easy to implement solution for a small wireless home network. Besides, the ICH6 typically supports 4 Serial ATA-150 ports, 4 PCI Express x1 ports, Azalia audio and some other useful I/O features.

The whole software Wi-Fi solution from Intel will not include antenna or other hardware needed to set-up an actual network, so, the whole Intel’s software Caswell may cost additional $10 to $15 to end-user, still a lot cheaper than the vast majority of hardware solutions.

ICH6W may be coupled with Intel’s Grantsdale series or Alderwood (G)MCH chips. Therefore, software Wi-Fi may be effectively available on all Intel-based 2004 platforms – a very strong benefit for Intel.