Intel brings faster wireless LAN equipment to market

Intel today announced it would ship wireless LAN products based on the 802.11a standard, dramatically increasing data speeds available over a wireless enterprise network.

The technology provides data transfer speeds of 54 Mbps per access point, a five times the speeds of current 802.11b technology. The end result is more computers can be connected at higher speeds per access point in the office. Intel said it plans to release the equipment later this year, joining Proxim and Enterasys as the first vendors to bring the technology to market.

The two wireless standards are not compatible, but 802.11b equipment will remain on the market as equipment initially will be cheaper. Vendors are designing equipment that will work over both standards.

--Kevin Fitchard, staff writer