Airoha and MediaTek back IC Plus against Realtek in switches

The support from Airoha and MediaTek for IC Plus signals a major shift in the Ethernet chip sector. Technologically, this alliance strengthens IC Plus’s position in gigabit Ethernet and AIoT connectivity, particularly in 5G base stations and edge computing. From a compliance standpoint, under ongoing U.S.-China tech decoupling, IC Plus may accelerate localization of its supply chain toward Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, China, reducing exposure to external sanctions. Competitively, Realtek may need to restructure its R&D strategy to counter rising competition. Looking ahead, 2026 marks a pivotal moment in global chip supply chains; if IC Plus maintains its technological edge, it could capture a larger share in smart devices and industrial networking markets.