The BCM56500 is one of 5 chips within Broadcom's 500 Series of next-generation StrataXGS® III switch solutions. Based on four prior generations of highly-integrated and cost-effective StrataSwitch® and StrataXGS switch architectures, the BCM56500 is a single-chip solution supporting 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and incorporates ubiquitous network security, wire-speed IPv6 routing and wireless LAN support.
The BCM56500 is ideal for standalone, stackable and chassis switch configurations supporting enterprise, service provider and grid computing markets. In addition, these devices are well-suited for use in embedded applications such as blade servers, IP DSLAM (Internet protocol digital subscriber line access multiplexers), PON (passive optical networking), and AdvancedTCA® (Advanced telecom computing architecture), providing reliable local, backplane and inter-shelf switching.