News March 18, 09:58 Eastern Time
LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES WAVELAN WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Now Offers Ethernet-Speed Access to Internet and Business Applications
HANNOVER, Germany, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- At CeBIT today, Lucent
Technologies announced a new high-speed version of the award-winning WaveLAN(R)
wireless local area network (WLAN) that provides wired Ethernet- equivalent data
rates expected by office users.
The new WaveLAN/IEEE Turbo system offers a high-speed mode that is reliable and
provides improved response time for data-intensive network applications that office
workers are accustomed to from their wired LAN. Additionally, the standard mode of
the system provides exceptional range and is very robust, perfectly suited for retail,
warehousing, and manufacturing environments.
The WaveLAN network is fully compliant with the latest IEEE802.11 specification for
wireless LANs. IEEE-802.11 provides interoperability which enables customers to
create wireless networks using WLAN terminals, printers, and bridges from a variety of
manufacturers. The system is one of several wireless data networks available from
Lucent Technologies to provide high- speed access to the Internet and corporate
intranets.
"In addition to the proven reliability of Lucent and Bell Labs, we are providing
Ethernet-level speed, three times the throughput of existing IEEE802.11-compliant
WLAN systems," said Angela Champness, director of product development and
marketing for WaveLAN. "We are giving our customers the best of both worlds. If they
want high speed, they can use Turbo mode. If customers need extended range, tighter
security or connectivity with their existing IEEE equipment, they can use standard mode.
They do not need to invest in two separate systems."
The new WaveLAN/IEEE Turbo also provides a special Auto Rate Selection (ARS)
feature that automatically selects the optimal operating modes for specific environments,
enabling users to choose between low cost and maximum range or a high number of
users and fast throughput.
For existing WaveLAN users, the WavePOINT II Access Point's unique twin PC card
architecture provides an easy migration path to the new WaveLAN/IEEE Turbo
technology. Upgrading an existing WaveLAN system simply requires inserting a new
Turbo card into one of the two PC card slots on the WavePOINT Bridge. The new
WaveLAN/IEEE Turbo card can operate at both Turbo and IEEE modes
simultaneously.
A single PC card inserted into the WavePOINT access point will connect at Turbo
speed to clients with WaveLAN/IEEE Turbo cards and at standard speed to clients
with WaveLAN/IEEE cards. Most other WLAN systems have the radios integrated
into the access point, a process requiring a total replacement of the system if a user
wishes to move up to the next generation of wireless LAN.
The WaveLAN/IEEE Turbo system includes new PC card and ISA card hardware,
new software for the WavePOINT II, new drivers, and a new version of the
WaveMANAGER tools, used to install and configure the wireless network. The new
WaveLAN/IEEE Turbo PC cards are available for a MRP (Manufacturer's Reference
Price) of only $495. Turbo ISA cards, for desktop computers, are available for a MRP
of $595.
The WavePOINT II Bridge is available for $1295. Standard WaveLAN/IEEE
products are now available at $295 for PC cards and $395 for ISA cards.
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