BCM4780

The BCM4780 network storage processor chip enables a new class of low-cost and easy to use network attached storage (NAS) devices for the home and small- and medium-sized business (SMB) markets. The BCM4780 features a high-performance MIPS32™ CPU core, insuring system performance at the highest rates possible on a 10/100Base-T Ethernet connection. Support for both Network File System (NFS) and Common Internet File System (CIFS) are built into the BCM4780, supporting computers running Windows® as well as MacOS® and Linux Operating Systems. With an integrated 10/100 Ethernet controller, PCI host interface and USB host and device interfaces, the processor provides many options for connecting to networks and interfacing with other devices such as optical backup drives. On-board AES encryption and decryption ensure that data is recorded in a secure format without the network performance impact caused by software-based security solutions.

BCM4780-based NAS systems will offer a very simple installation and setup procedure that requires no need for user configuration or knowledge of IP addresses. An auto-discovery feature automatically adds the NAS device to all attached clients upon connection to the network. For more advanced users, BCM4780-based storage products will offer a full range of powerful security and configuration modes, including enterprise-level features, such as RAID 0, 1, and 10 functionality with support for up to four hard disk drives in a single system. The BCM94780 reference design includes all hardware and software components required for a complete NAS device and demonstrates the elegance of the overall system design. Standard features built into the system design include automatic network discovery, support for streaming multiple HDTV-quality streams, and a unique RAID implementation that requires just a few clicks to configure the device for automatic data mirroring.