3Com has released its latest Megahertz LAN and Modem PCMCIA card for the mobile worker. This miniaturised technology will allow users to move between telephone and Ethernet connectors with only one device. Since the card uses a built-in auto-sensing XJack connector, users will not even have to carry extra dongles around with them. The card slips into a 32-bit CardBus type-II slot.
The Ethernet connectivity supports 10/100Base-TX LAN jacks, and a user can instantly recognise the speed of connection by the colour of the LED on the jack to know what speed he has connected at.
The modem is a 56kbps V.90, and uses 3Com`s "Exclusive Line Probing" technology, which pings the Internet service provider and measures quality differences in the return of the echo, thus tuning itself to specific line conditions.
The product is ISDN-ready, and 3Com will bring out an upgrade to allow users to use the same device for ISDN, telephone or Ethernet. A timeframe has not yet been established for this upgrade, but it is expected in the next quarter. The ISDN support will work in Europe, the Far East and in SA (since the country follows the European standards).
The software that ships with the card allows users to set up different network and dial-up profiles for different networks while they roam the world. The software will also allow users to manage their GSM connections through Nokia and Ericsson cellular phones.
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