Freeing the PC from network cables, Compaq Computer today announced the Compaq WL Series of wireless LAN products for North America & EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa). Computer users will enjoy the freedom of staying connected to the network while "roaming" to meetings or other office locations, and IT departments will appreciate how easily these standards-based wireless products can be incorporated into existing network infrastructures.
Standards-based Wireless Networking
The Compaq WL Series, consisting of two wireless LAN Cards and a network Hardware Access Point, complies with the IEEE 802.11b High Rate standard. The impressive 11Mb/s performance is comparable to the speed of many wired networks today, and it is backward compatible with the installed base of 2 Mb/s wireless LAN products. The 802.11b standard also assures data security, with complex 128-bit encryption. Compaq takes that security even further, by adding access point authentication, MAC addressing, and network authentication - so network access through the Compaq WL Series has even more stringent layers of protection than typical wired LANs. The compatibility of the Compaq WL Series with industry-standard PC platforms, major network protocols, and major Microsoft operating systems, plus the benefits of Plug and Play and Compaq install wizards, removes the hassle from adding wireless access to an existing wired network.
WL Series Wireless Network Cards
The Compaq WL Series includes wireless network cards for both laptop and desktop computers. The Compaq WL100 11Mb/s Wireless Network PC Card is designed for the Type II PC Card slots in laptop PCs, and the Compaq WL200 11Mb/s Wireless Network PCI Card is designed for standard PCI slots in desktop PCs. Both cards send and receive signals with other wireless LAN Access Points or other wireless cards.
WL Series Wireless Access Point
Secure wireless network access is provided via a WL Hardware Access Point, each covering a range of roughly 300 feet in all directions. The dedicated WL400 Hardware Access Point provides network access to wireless-enabled PCs within range.
Creative Configurations
The Compaq WL 400 Hardware Access Point includes the Compaq AP Manager configuration utility, which IT professionals can use to configure, track, and manage the traffic across the network. IT managers can set up roaming, so users can pass freely through access points, staying connected the entire time. Or, they can maintain separate channels for multiple wireless sub-networks occupying the same physical space. A group of auditors or consultants on a temporary assignment can use the Compaq WL Series to establish a wireless LAN "embassy" within the confines of the client`s office building. The Compaq WL Series is compatible with speciality product offerings to customise and increase the range of wireless networks - directional antennas or building-to-building bridges, for example.
The WL100 PC Card, WL200 PCI Card and the WL400 Hardware Access Point, will be available in December through authorised Compaq resellers.
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Compaq Computer
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a Fortune Global 100 company. Compaq is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of personal computers. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.
Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at http://www.compaq.co.za.
Compaq Africa Region was established in October 1994 and is headquartered in Houghton, Johannesburg with regional offices in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Nairobi (Kenya) and Lagos (Nigeria). Compaq products and services are sold and supported through a network of marketing partners across South Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa and West Africa.