Broadcom's chip unit unveiled a new networking processor that aims to speed artificial intelligence data crunching, which requires stringing together hundreds of chips that work together.

Broadcom’s AVGO latest Tomahawk Ultra Ethernet switch is a key catalyst for its AI revenues. As the demand for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure continues to soar, the company believes that growing adoption of this cutting-edge chip will significantly boost its AI revenues,

But not everyone agrees that a new protocol is necessary or is willing to wait for the first UALink hardware to be taped out. Once a founding member of the UALink consortium, Broadcom now believes that Ethernet is more than capable of getting the job done sooner.