Farallon Communications, Inc. introduces SkyLINE Wireless PC Card for portable computers. Farallon's SkyLINE Wireless PC Card provides both Macintosh PowerBook and PC notebook users 2Mbps access to network resources such as file servers, email, printers and the Internet.
"SkyLINE eliminates the requirement to deploy structured wiring everywhere," states Ken Haase, Director of Marketing, Farallon. "Additionally, for roaming computer users such as on college campuses where students go from building to building, wireless connectivity means anytime, anywhere access to network resources."
Through IEEE 802.11 DSSS compatible access points from manufactures such as Nokia (formerly InTalk), Lucent, Maxtech and Zoom, SkyLINE users can connect to a wired Ethernet network. Additionally, SkyLINE users can create an ad-hoc network between two or more portable computers. A robust Control Panel provides a real-time signal strength meter (Macintosh version), network statistics as well as dynamic configuration, omitting the need to restart.
SkyLINE Features & Specifications
- Type II PC Card (PCMCIA) with the Harris PRISM chip set for advanced Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology in the 2.4GHz radio frequency band
- IEEE 802.11 standard, including translation and encapsulation addressing modes, for seamless integration with any Ethernet network
- Compatibility with 802.11 DSSS access points from manufactures such as Nokia (formerly InTalk), Lucent, Maxtech & Zoom
- Robust Control Panel with real-time signal strength meter (Macintosh version), statistics & dynamic configuration
- Multi-platform drivers for use in Macintosh PowerBooks & Windows 95/98, NT notebooks
- Range is approximately 1000ft in open air; 300-500ft indoors to an access point or other wireless device
- Farallon test utilities & at-a-glance status LEDs simplify troubleshooting
- Support for peer-to-peer ad hoc networking
- Free Dr. Farallon technical support & 3 year warranty
Farallon says that the new card should be available by the end of August. Pricing has not yet been announced.