Intel Corp. today announced that its Intel Centrino mobile technology supports all three Wi-Fi standards -- IEEE’s 802.11a, b and g. The company also announced a software solution to improve security and ease network setup.
The new Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection meets customer needs for future proofing so that as they migrate their wireless LAN networks, their clients are ready, says Jim Johnson, Intel vice president and general manager of the Wireless Networking Group, in a press conference today.
The tri-mode technology will be in Centrino-enabled notebook PCs worldwide beginning in September and continuing throughout the fourth quarter of this year. In 10,000-unit quantities, it is priced at $27.
Intel reports the chipset already has been in use at the Athens-based Olympic Games to allow tourists to connect to the Internet, make VoIP calls, check email and send photos.
In addition to enhanced connectivity, Intel has upgraded its PROSet/Wireless Software, now in version 9.0, to include greater ease of use, security and manageability to Wi-Fi networks, Johnson says.
For example, Intel has added a tool called the Intel Smart Wireless Solution, which is made up of a configuration wizard, advanced troubleshooting and automated security setup. The technology detects and shows all available networks and offers advanced profile management so users can more easily connect to different wireless networks while at home, in the office or on the road.
Additionally, Intel has implemented the most current version of Cisco Compatible Extensions in Intel PROSet/Wireless Software version 9.0, which delivers compatibility and interoperability with Cisco infrastructure.
Separately, Intel and Linksys have co-developed a solution that allows Intel Centrino mobile technology-based notebooks to locate an un-configured Linksys access point and automatically guide users through a short and simple setup process.
Among the new security features are support for IEEE 802.11i security standard. Enterprise users can also employ a single sign-on feature during login to seamlessly authenticate users on the wireless network. Advanced auto-detection and auto-select capabilities allow wireless users to automatically employ the highest available security settings. The technology currently supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WEP security, and is expected to support WPA2, when available.
