MaxLinear’s 2.5G Ethernet Switch SoCs Power DrayTek’s Next-Gen Networking Solutions for Enhanced Speed and Security
In a significant advancement for the networking industry, MaxLinear, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXL), a global leader in wired network solutions, has announced that DrayTek, a renowned developer of high-performance networking equipment, has selected its MxL86252S and MxL86282S 2.5G Ethernet Switch SoCs for their next-generation 7- and 10-port Ethernet switches. These cutting-edge switch-on-chip (SoC) solutions are designed to accelerate the development of compact, energy-efficient, and high-performance wired networking devices. MaxLinear will showcase these innovations at Computex 2025, held from May 20-23, 2025, in Taipei, Taiwan.
Meeting the Growing Demand for High-Performance Networking
Today’s networks demand more than just raw speed—they require intelligent features, robust security, and unparalleled efficiency to handle bandwidth-intensive applications such as digital signage, video conferencing, esports broadcasting, and enterprise environments. The MxL86252S and MxL86282S deliver on all fronts, offering advanced capabilities that enable secure, scalable, and future-proof networking solutions.
“Modern networks need more than just faster speeds—they need smarter, more secure, and energy-efficient solutions,” said Vikas Choudhary, Vice President of Connectivity and Storage Business at MaxLinear. “Our 2.5G Ethernet Switch portfolio addresses these needs with features like HTTPS support for secure data transmission, flexible ACL rules for precise network control, and IGMPv3 for advanced multicast handling. These innovations empower our customers to build compact, low-power switches that excel in performance and reliability.”
DrayTek’s Commitment to Cutting-Edge Networking Technology
By leveraging MaxLinear’s 2.5G Ethernet Switch SoCs, DrayTek is delivering high-port-count switches that combine compact designs, energy efficiency, and the ability to handle increasing data traffic demands. This collaboration underscores DrayTek’s commitment to providing networking solutions that enhance connectivity and performance for both consumers and businesses.
“With MaxLinear’s 2.5G Ethernet Switch SoCs, we can offer switches that are not only compact and energy-efficient but also equipped to meet the growing demands of modern networks,” said Henry Lo, Head of Product Planning at DrayTek. “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to delivering innovative networking technology that ensures seamless connectivity and superior performance.”
Key Features and Benefits of MxL86282S
The MxL86282S stands out as a highly integrated and versatile solution, offering a range of features that make it ideal for next-generation networking applications:
- High Integration: Equipped with eight integrated Ethernet 2.5GBASE-T PHYs supporting four data rates (2500, 1000, 100, and 10Mbps), along with two optional 10G SERDES uplink ports for added flexibility. It also includes an integrated CPU to enable web-smart applications.
- Low Power Consumption: Consuming under 700mW per PHY, the MxL86282S supports Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) to reduce idle mode power consumption. Additional power-saving modes are available for short cables, no-link detection, and wake-on-LAN (WoL) functionality, ensuring system-level energy savings.
- Wire-Speed Switching Performance: Delivers unblocking wire-speed switching across all ports, enabling full-rate operation without packet loss, even under heavy loads.
- Future-Proof Design: Features a programmable packet parser and a powerful classification engine to support various data traffic types. The MxL86282S supports IPv4 and IPv6, HTTPS security, IGMPv1/IGMPv2/IGMPv3 multicast forwarding, and MLDv1/MLDv2 snooping, ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies.
- Advanced Networking Features: Includes VLAN, QinQ, QoS, loop detection, ACL, and traffic shaping, providing users with granular control over their network environments.
Why MaxLinear’s 2.5G Ethernet Switches Stand Out
The MxL86252S and MxL86282S are engineered to address the challenges faced by modern networks, including rising data traffic, security concerns, and the need for energy efficiency. These switches are particularly well-suited for applications requiring robust multicast handling, such as media-rich environments and enterprise deployments.
- Enhanced Security: With built-in HTTPS protocol support, these switches ensure encrypted connections and secure data transmission, addressing the growing demand for safeguarding sensitive information.
- Flexible Network Management: Advanced ACL rule configurations provide users with greater control over their networks, allowing them to define and enforce policies tailored to specific use cases.
- Efficient Multicast Handling: IGMPv3 support enables efficient multicast traffic management, unlocking new possibilities for applications like live streaming, digital signage, and collaborative workspaces.
Driving Innovation in Compact Networking Solutions
As businesses and consumers increasingly rely on high-speed, reliable networks, the demand for compact and energy-efficient switches continues to grow. MaxLinear’s 2.5G Ethernet Switch SoCs enable manufacturers like DrayTek to develop devices that are not only smaller and lighter but also capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern applications.
These SoCs are available now in RoHS-compliant, green/halogen-free 12mm x 12mm BGA packages, making them environmentally friendly and suitable for a wide range of applications. For more information or to request samples, visit the product pages for MxL86252S and MxL86282S.
Experience the Future of Networking at Computex 2025
MaxLinear invites attendees of Computex 2025 to explore its latest 2.5G Ethernet Switch solutions and discover how they can transform networking infrastructure. Whether you’re designing switches for enterprise environments, media-rich applications, or home networking, MaxLinear’s portfolio offers the performance, security, and efficiency needed to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
About MaxLinear, Inc.
MaxLinear, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXL) is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information, please visit https://www.maxlinear.com/.
