The Broadcom BCM5345 device is a highly integrated solution providing connectivity for 25 ports of Gigabit Ethernet. It combines all the functions of a high-speed switch system, including packet buffer, media access controllers, address management, and a nonblocking switch fabric as well as a Microcontroller interface into a single 0.13 µm CMOS device. It complies with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab 802.3x specifications, including the MAC control, pause frame, and autonegotiation subsections, providing compatibility with all industrystandard Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet devices.
The BCM5345 is ideal for applications such as Gigabit Ethernet workgroup switches, desktop switches, and data center switches. While configurations of 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports can be achieved with only one switch device, configurations of up to 48 ports can be built using multiple BCM5345 devices with aggregated Gigabit Ethernet links between them.