The new SoCs from MaxLinear will enable DrayTek to offer compact, energy-efficient switches ready for modern data flows
At the Computex 2025 event, MaxLinear (NASDAQ: MXL) announced that its technology has been selected by DrayTek, one of the industry’s most recognized network solutions manufacturers, for its next generation of 7 and 10-port web-managed Ethernet switches. This collaboration materializes with the integration of the MxL86252S and MxL86282S chips, designed to provide high performance, advanced security, and energy efficiency in a compact form factor.
Security, Performance, and Energy Efficiency in a Single Chip
Both SoCs include features tailored for the most demanding applications: from video conferencing to digital signage or esports broadcasting. The chips support secure connections via HTTPS, as well as advanced ACL rules for granular network management. Additionally, they integrate support for IGMPv3, enabling optimized multicast traffic management in corporate or multimedia environments.
“The current market demands more than just speed. It requires embedded intelligence and security at every network node,” noted Vikas Choudhary, Vice President of Connectivity and Storage at MaxLinear. “Our 2.5G switches offer all of that: speed, flexibility, efficiency, and robustness.”
In turn, Henry Lo, product planning manager at DrayTek, stated: “Thanks to MaxLinear’s SoCs, we can launch denser solutions with lower energy consumption that can respond to the growth in data traffic. It is a solid step towards smarter managed switches for consumers and businesses.”
MxL86282S: The Heart of DrayTek’s New Switches
The MxL86282S stands out for its high level of integration:
- 8 PHY 2.5GBASE-T ports, compatible with speeds from 10 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps.
- 2 optional 10G SERDES uplink ports, ideal for scalability.
- Energy consumption below 700 mW per PHY, with advanced energy-saving features (EEE, idle link detection, short cable detection).
- Non-blocking switching among all ports, ensuring maximum performance without packet loss.
- Support for IPv4, IPv6, VLAN, QoS, IGMPv1/v2/v3, MLDv1/v2, HTTPS, ACLs, loop detection, and traffic shaping.
Additionally, it includes an internal processor to enable web-smart functions, essential in professional environments that require simple and effective remote management.
Ready for the Present… and the Future
The chips are now available in 12×12 mm BGA formats, halogen-free and compliant with RoHS regulations. They are designed to meet the challenges of next-generation local networks that demand greater capacity without compromising on consumption or security.
This partnership reinforces MaxLinear’s role as a key provider of network technology for a new era dominated by intensive connectivity, real-time services, and edge computing.