Broadcom Unveils Jericho4 Chip to Boost AI Data Centre Performance and Security
Broadcom’s silicon division has announced the launch of Jericho4, its next-generation networking chip designed to meet the growing demands of AI-driven data centres and hyperscale cloud networks. With capabilities to connect data centres up to 60 miles (96.5 km) apart, Jericho4 marks a significant leap in AI infrastructure scalability and performance.
Jericho4: Designed for Next-Gen AI and Cloud Networking
AI development requires ultra-fast data transfer across thousands of GPUs, and Broadcom’s Jericho4 networking chip was engineered specifically for that task. The chip enhances performance by improving:
- Network bandwidth and speed for AI training and inference
- Data transfer efficiency across vast, distributed cloud infrastructures
- Scalability, with each system capable of supporting up to 4,500 chips
- Security, through encrypted data transfers
“The switch is actually holding that traffic [in memory] till the congestion frees up,” said Ram Velaga, SVP and GM of Broadcom’s Core Switching Group.
AI-Centric Features: HBM and Congestion Control
To handle the massive data loads of AI operations, the Jericho4 integrates High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM)—the same kind of memory found in top-tier AI chips from Nvidia and AMD.
HBM enables the Jericho4 chip to temporarily store large amounts of data while waiting for congestion to clear in the network. This approach significantly reduces delays and ensures smooth, uninterrupted data flow, especially when transmitting across long distances.
The longer the data travels, the more on-chip memory is needed — and Jericho4 delivers on that front.
Enhanced Security for Data Beyond Data Centre Walls
With cyberattacks increasingly targeting in-transit data, Broadcom prioritised security in the Jericho4 chip. The chip offers built-in encryption features to safeguard sensitive information as it moves between geographically dispersed data centers.
This is a critical feature for cloud providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, who operate massive multi-location networks and must protect customer data at all stages of processing and transfer.
Why Jericho4 Matters for the Future of AI Infrastructure
As AI workloads scale, the underlying network infrastructure must evolve. The Broadcom Jericho4 chip meets that challenge with unmatched performance, scalability, and security.
For cloud service providers, hyperscale data centres, and AI companies, this chip represents the next step toward building faster, more resilient AI systems.
With support for wide-area interconnects and smart congestion management, Jericho4 is purpose-built for the future of AI at scale.
