Acton, Massachusetts-based Laser Communications Inc is now shipping its infra-red InfraLAN wireless Ethernet system. Originally developed by InfraLAN Technologies Inc, which Laser has now acquired, the system is said to have a line-of-sight optical range of up to 90 feet, and an optical wavelength of 870 nanometers. The company says that the system can be used either as a stand-alone network, or connected to existing backbones without the need to change adaptor boards or software drivers. It operates at 10Mbps with collision detection, and the company claims that bit error rates are equal or superior to those achieved cable. Connection is possible through either AUI or 10Base-T connectors. Laser has one advantage over other wireless local network offerings, since infra red does not require an operating licence: AT&T Global Information Solutions has had to get individual approval for its WaveLAN system, which operates in the 2.4GHz frequency band, in each country where it wants to market the thing. Prices for the InfraLAN are said to average out at $250 per node, depending on the configuration.
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