Rumor: AMD is working on its own Wi-Fi controllers in collaboration with MediaTek

AMD is reportedly working with MediaTek to produce its own Wi-Fi 6 controllers for laptops. This could give AMD a stronger position in the laptop market. Intel has been making its own Wi-Fi controllers for years.

AMD makes its first Wi-Fi controllers according to Digitimes from Taiwan, based on techniques and intellectual property from MediaTek. That manufacturer already makes such controllers for its socs and mobile modems and holds the necessary patents for this. Digitimes isn’t always right when it comes to rumors, but the paper has good resources from Taiwanese companies. MediaTek comes from that country.

Currently, laptops with AMD processors include Wi-Fi controllers from other manufacturers. The wlan adapters from Intel and Realtek are often used. Those two brands control almost the entire market. Offering your own Wi-Fi controllers offers possibilities for the integration of technologies. For example, Intel already applies its vPro techniques for business laptops in its own WiFi adapters. AMD could do the same with additional security features of its Ryzen Pro processors.

It is not yet known when AMD WiFi controllers will actually be released. It is also not yet known whether the controllers are also intended for desktop PCs. Motherboard manufacturers may be able to use the WiFi chips on their AMD motherboards.