Mountain View, California-based Proxim Inc has introduced two wireless local area network adaptors for portable computers, and a software product claimed to be a breakthrough in handling roving computer users in a complex local area network environment. The adaptors support local area network operating systems including NetWare versions 2.2 and 3.11, and networks under Microsoft Corp’s LAN Manager. RangeLAN/PCMCIA is fitted into the Type II slot off a notebook or palmtop computer, and the company is claiming that its advanced power management system means that the product has a minimal impact on the computer’s battery life. The second product, RangeLAN/Parallel, provides wireless links for any personal computer through connection to the parallel port. The software, Roaming-For-Range LAN, is used in the RangeLAN adaptors and is targeted at portable and laptop users: it is claimed to enable users to move seamlessly from one server location to another without loss of connection to the network; as the user changes location, the computer links into the nearest wireless access point on the network. The software is designed for situations where a single access point does not provide adequate coverage, as in multi-storied buildings. The adaptors use a spread spectrum radio frequency technology, said to offer high interference immunity with a range of up to 800 feet; they operate at 242Kbps and provide three channels that are claimed to triple the available bandwidth. The company says that, effectively, users can have three independent wireless local area networks in the same physical space. To be available through dealers and value added resellers in the US from December, the RangeLAN/PCMCIA and RangeLAN/Parallel will cost $600 each, while the Roaming for RangeLAN software is priced at $100.
Developed with NCR
Meanwhile, San Diego-based Solectek Corp has announced a new wireless adaptor which connects to the parallel port on MS-DOS computers. The AirLAN adaptor is aimed at mobile and temporary local area network connections, specifically those where wired connection would prove difficult. Developed jointly with NCR Corp, the product uses the WaveLAN implementation of spread spectrum and VLSI chip technologies. Like the Proxim product, it can operate at up to 800 feet, but it is faster, running at speeds of 2Mbps. The company is pushing ease of installation and use as one of the product’s main features; compatible with any parallel port – including Intel Corp’s new high-speed Enhanced Parallel Port – it incorporates a pass-through multiplexer that enables both a local printer and the adaptor to be connected to the same parallel port. The installation software can detect the type of port to which it is connected, simplifying installation. The AirLAN is compatible with networks including IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, and can be used with operating systems including Novell Inc NetWare, NetWare Lite, Microsoft LAN Manager, Banyan Systems Inc Vines, Digital Equipment Corp Pathworks, 3Com Corp 3+, and Artisoft Inc LANtastic. Scheduled to ship in December, the AirLAN adaptor will cost $900. Solectek says that the new product is to be the first in a series of wireless network products, which will include a High Speed Bus board option for increased throughput speeds, and a stand-alone bridge for connection to RF nodes anywhere on an existing network without going through the server. Also to be launched is a PCMCIA 2.0 version of the AirLAN, the introduction of which will be timed to coincide with the launch of laptops with such capabilities.
