Intel releases 802.11a/b/g Centrino set

Intel today unveiled its latest generation of Centrino Wi-Fi models, which now support 802.11a, b and g standards simultaneously along with the IEEE’s new security access standard 802.11i.

The chipset is the first tri-mode capsule by Intel, spanning not only the three standards but two radio spectra. The introduction of 802.11a to the mix allows users to get the bandwidth advantages of 802.11g in the much less crowded 5.8 GHz spectrum.

Intel wireless networking group General Manager Jim Johnson, however, stressed the security capabilities of the new capsule, saying that security is becoming one of the top concerns of the burgeoning Wi-Fi community.

"Wi-Fi networks continue to increase rapidly in number, but users still have concerns about how hard it will be to connect and whether the network is secure," Johnson said.

The 802.11i security standard was designed primarily for enterprises users, supporting WEP and Wi-Fi protected access protocols. Johnson said the standard greatly enhances the encryption capabilities of standard Wi-Fi security protocols. The new security software also allows for the automatic configuration of security and software and one-step authentication, Johnson said. The release also contains updated software that configures and troubleshoots network connections.

Johnson said the first chipsets are now shipping and will begin making their way into the first laptops by next month and gradually will become the standard in new Centrino laptops by the end of the year.