Intel

AMD to Enter Network Hardware Market, Develop WiFi Controller Products with MediaTek

Intel has a dominating position over the client-segment 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 NIC controller market. The company's wireless NICs have a near monopoly over WLAN cards inside notebooks, including those powered by AMD processors. Intel further leverages its own brand NICs under the vPro feature-set, providing an end-to-end management solution covering even the NIC. AMD needs to change this, especially if it wants its PRO feature-set to match up to vPro.

AMD is planing to enter the network hardware segment by developing WLAN controllers of its own, which will power future generations of Ryzen processor-powered notebooks, including Ryzen PRO ones; and possible become a staple for desktop PC motherboard vendors on the AMD platform. To cut through the toughest part about coming up with new NICs - the web of IP, AMD has decided to partner with MediaTek, which manufactures mobile SoCs, and cellular MODEM chips, and has the required IP to make standalone WLAN controllers. The first AMD WLAN controllers could build on existing MediaTek IP blocks.