路由器巨头上海芯片部门被曝大裁员，补偿N+3

Group 1 - TP-Link's subsidiary TP-Link Systems has announced significant layoffs in its WiFi chip department, with the process completed within half a day and a compensation plan of N+3, which is higher than the usual N+1 standard [1] - The layoffs will primarily affect the WiFi chip team, retaining only a few members while impacting employees in algorithm, validation, and design roles [1] - This restructuring is not an exit from the WiFi chip sector but a strategic focus on reducing R&D investment in WiFi front-end modules (FEM), influenced by slow mass production of WiFi 7 chips and cost pressures [1] Group 2 - TP-Link had previously established an in-house chip team in 2021 to develop WiFi 6 chips for smart home applications, but has yet to commercialize any self-developed WiFi chips, relying mainly on MediaTek's chips [3] - The development of the next-generation WiFi 7 chips is increasingly challenging, with strong competition from major players like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Huawei, making it difficult for TP-Link and its subsidiary to gain a competitive edge [3] - TP-Link, founded in China, is set to split into two independent entities in 2024, with the Chinese entity based in Shenzhen and the U.S. entity headquartered in the U.S. [3] Group 3 - TP-Link holds a significant market position in network equipment, previously commanding nearly 45% of the global router market [4] - The U.S. Department of Commerce has begun investigating TP-Link Systems' relationship with China to assess potential national security risks, with TP-Link's market share in the U.S. retail market for Wi-Fi systems and routers reported at approximately 60%, up from about 10% in early 2019 [4] - The actual controller of TP-Link's U.S. entity, Jeffrey Chao, has denied any relationship with China and stated that all sensitive positions have been relocated to the U.S. [4]