BCM5387IFBG: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of Broadcom's 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

The BCM5387IFBG stands as a highly integrated, low-power, and high-performance 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch from Broadcom, designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern networking applications. This system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution is engineered to provide robust Layer 2 switching capabilities, making it a cornerstone for enterprise switches, network attached storage (NAS), network routers, and IPTV platforms.

At its core, the BCM5387IFBG integrates eight 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet transceivers, a high-performance non-blocking switch fabric, and a comprehensive suite of management features. Its non-blocking switch architecture ensures wire-speed performance on all ports simultaneously, which is critical for preventing bottlenecks in data-intensive environments. The device supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features, including eight priority queues per port and strict priority or weighted round-robin (WRR) scheduling. This allows for precise traffic prioritization, ensuring low latency for time-sensitive applications like voice and video.

A key strength of this switch is its advanced security and management capabilities. It supports IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and secure management interfaces, providing a strong foundation for secure network access control. For network management, it offers multiple options: a standard Serial Management Interface (SMI) for register access and an optional Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) for external CPU communication, granting flexibility in system design.

The chip also incorporates sophisticated energy efficiency technology. Broadcom's Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE), compliant with the IEEE 802.3az standard, significantly reduces power consumption during periods of low data activity. This makes the BCM5387IFBG an ideal choice for green, environmentally conscious networking products.

From a design perspective, its high level of integration reduces the total bill of materials (BOM) by eliminating the need for external PHYs. Its compact package (a 176-pin BGA) is designed for space-constrained applications, while its industrial temperature range support ensures reliability in various operating environments.

ICGOOODFIND: The Broadcom BCM5387IFBG is a highly integrated and feature-rich 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch solution. It delivers exceptional performance, advanced traffic management, robust security features, and significant power efficiency, making it a versatile and reliable choice for a wide array of professional and embedded networking equipment.

Keywords: Gigabit Ethernet Switch, Quality of Service (QoS), Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE), Non-Blocking Architecture, IEEE 802.1X Authentication.