Cisco and Intel to collaborate on Wi-Fi

Cisco and Intel this week said they are expanding their networking technology collaboration to include wireless LAN, agreeing to release a new set of products based on Intel’s Centrino and Cisco’s Unified Wireless architectures.

The new feature set will include an access point optimization technology that will enable Centrino-powered devices to automatically scan for the best access point within a business LAN and a VoIP QoS technology platform to improve voice transmissions over the IP-based LAN. The two companies have also agreed to participate in each other’s network security programs, making the two platforms compatible by the end of the fourth quarter.

The features will be bundled together under a product called the Business Class Wireless Suite, which the two companies will market jointly next year.

The announcement comes one week after Intel and Cisco joined IBM, SAP and Dell in a digital communities initiative intended to build wireless broadband connectivity in 13 cities around the world.