NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Conexant is teaming up with Jungo Software this week to develop a HomePlug reference design that supports the emerging CableHome specification. Under the agreement, the companies will build a joint reference design using Conexant's recently announced HomePlug chipset and Jungo's Linux-based OpenRG software suite.
The CableHome specification is beginning to draw a bit of attention in the comm sector. With more end users sharing cable modem pipes across more PCs, MSOs are starting to get concerned that they are not receiving enough compensation for the broadband pipes they deliver. To counteract the problem, many MSOs and cable equipment developers are backing the CableHome spec, which is designed to control network address translation (NAT).
Now through the development of a joint reference design, Jungo and Conexant are trying to make CableHome a reality for networking equipment developers.
The reference platform is developed around a HomePlug chipset Conexant released in mid October (See Conexant aims HomePlug chipset at router designs). Compliant with the HomePlug 1.0-spec, this chipset combines the CX82100 home-network processor and the CX11656 HomePlug transceiver. An external analog front-end IC is also required.
The platform also includes Jungo's OpenRG software suite. This software suite provides a suite of software infrastructure and technologies that OEMs require in order to bring residential gateways/IADs to market. This software package provides support for remote management, VPN, network security, and a host of home networking standards
OpenRG software for the Conexant chipset is available now. The CX82100 processor is packaged in a 196-pin ChipArray ball-grid array, while the CX11656 is supplied in a 144-pin low-profile quad flat pack. The combined chip set is priced at $18 in quantities of 25,000.
