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Broadcom Unveils Enterprise Wi‑Fi 8 Chipsets and Trident X3+ Switch for AI‑Ready Networks

Broadcom introduces new Wi‑Fi 8 access‑point chips, radio modules, and the Trident X3+ Ethernet switch, delivering multi‑gigabit ports, built‑in security, and edge‑AI capabilities for modern enterprises.
8 February 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

Overview

Broadcom has expanded its enterprise networking portfolio with a complete set of Wi‑Fi 8 chipsets that cover both wireless access points and the Ethernet switches that connect them. The new solution integrates system control, networking, and on‑device processing into single chips, simplifying hardware design and preparing networks for AI‑driven workloads.

New Wi‑Fi 8 Radio and Access‑Point Chips

Three Wi‑Fi 8 radio chips and a dedicated access‑point processor are being introduced to work together in future enterprise APs.

  • BCM43840 – High‑performance Wi‑Fi 8 radio for dense environments.
  • BCM43844 – Optimized for low‑latency, time‑sensitive applications.
  • BCM43820 – Cost‑effective radio for mid‑range deployments.
  • Access‑Point System‑on‑Chip (SoC) – Handles control, networking, and on‑device AI processing, reducing the need for multiple components.

Trident X3+ Ethernet Switch Chip

The new Trident X3+ (BCM56390) is designed to provide high‑capacity, secure wired connectivity for enterprise Wi‑Fi 8 deployments.

  • Supports up to 48 multi‑gigabit ports (1/2.5/5/10 GbE).
  • Built‑in security features: MACsec, post‑quantum cryptography, secure boot, hardware root‑of‑trust.
  • Unified design enables real‑time data collection across wired and wireless segments.
  • Compatible with IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol for wireless time‑sensitive networking.

Security and Time‑Sensitive Networking

Security is embedded at the silicon level, offering protection against emerging threats while maintaining low latency for critical applications.

  • MACsec encryption for link‑level data integrity.
  • Post‑quantum cryptography readiness.
  • Hardware root‑of‑trust and secure boot to prevent firmware tampering.
  • IEEE 1588 PTP support to synchronize devices and reduce latency variation.

Market Impact and Expectations

While Wi‑Fi 8 does not promise higher peak speeds, Broadcom’s end‑to‑end solution focuses on stability, reduced latency, and the ability to handle a larger number of concurrent devices—key factors for AI‑centric enterprise environments.

Availability and Sampling

Broadcom has begun sampling the access‑point SoC, Wi‑Fi 8 radios, and Trident X3+ switch chip with early customers, signaling a near‑term rollout for enterprise networking gear.