[Insights] Broadcom Unveils New PON Solutions, Accelerating Edge AI and ML Applications

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In October 2024, chipmaker Broadcom introduced two PON power management chips, the BCM68660 and BCM55050. Both processors incorporate AI capabilities, aimed at simplifying maintenance tasks.

These chips are manufactured using a 7nm process and include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) optimized for running AI models. Telecom operators can leverage these modules to execute algorithms for tasks such as automating network issue resolution, anomaly detection, and network self-healing.

This enables predictive power management and supports network pattern detection, classification, and optimization, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, network security, and reliability for service providers.

TrendForce’s Insights

1. Global Telecom Industry Undergoes Broadband Network Upgrades, XGS-PON Gains Industry Attention

As global network usage continues to grow, the demand for higher bandwidth and faster speeds has become increasingly important. To meet this demand, telecom operators are turning to technologies like XGS-PON (10 Gb Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) for Fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) deployments.

Meanwhile, advancements in AI, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving an ever-growing need for data transmission. Operators thus need to provide higher bandwidth and faster speeds to meet these demands.

XGS-PON has the potential to transform broadband transmission technology. As the successor to GPON, XGS-PON offers symmetrical 10Gbps bandwidth, ensuring the scalability and efficiency required by modern networks.

The XGS-PON architecture, consisting of optical transceivers, converts electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa. These devices enable high-speed, reliable data transfer over fiber-optic cables. By enhancing signal integrity and transmission quality, optical transceivers improve the overall efficiency of XGS-PON networks.

2. Compared to Traditional Copper-Based Networks, XGS-PON Offers Lower Latency and Higher Transmission Speeds

In 2024, the global XGS-PON chip market continues to grow. This is driven not only by global telecom infrastructure upgrades but also by government policies and subsidies aimed at improving broadband connectivity in underserved and rural areas.

Additionally, the adoption of 5G technology is expected to increase the demand for reliable backhaul solutions. The bandwidth and low latency required to operate 5G networks can be supported by XGS-PON.

Furthermore, the rising popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a continuous increase in connected devices, and XGS-PON provides a reliable and high-speed internet connection to meet the needs of IoT applications.

As operators strive to enhance service quality, the competitive landscape is expected to foster innovation and the adoption of new technologies, further driving the demand for XGS-PON chips.

Read more

• [News] OpenAI in Talks with Broadcom, Starting a AI Chip Plan with USD 7 Trillion
• [News] Broadcom Reportedly Developing 5nm AI Chip with ByteDance, Manufactured by TSMC

(Photo credit: Broadcom)