Intel® Pro/Wireless 2100A Network Connection Now Available For Notebook PCs Based On Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2003 - Intel Corporation today introduced the Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100A network connection for notebook PCs based on Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology. The Intel PRO/Wireless 2100A network connection adds higher speed 802.11a capability to Intel Centrino mobile technology, which currently features 802.11b wireless functionality.

Intel delivers leading 802.11a performance with the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100A, featuring a data transfer rate of up to 54 Mbps. The introduction of the 2100A is part of Intel's efforts to provide high-performance, standards-based wireless local area network (WLAN) solutions. The 802.11a protocol supports complex Internet applications with its higher throughput, while also allowing higher concentrations of users per WLAN access point. Additionally, 802.11a operates in the 5 GHz range, making 802.11a-enabled connections less susceptible to the interference that can be encountered with 802.11b connections operating in the 2.4 GHz range. The latter range is shared with a number of other devices, including cordless phones and microwave ovens.

"The addition of 802.11a to Intel Centrino mobile technology provides a wireless networking solution for targeted consumer and business applications that require higher levels of performance from WLAN deployments," said Jim Johnson, vice president of the Intel Wireless Networking Group.

The Intel PRO/Wireless 2100A network connection complements existing 2100-based solutions, with 2100 solutions expected to continue shipping in high volumes throughout 2003 and into 2004. The Intel PRO/Wireless 2100A is Wi-Fi CERTIFIED* and fully supports WPA and WEP security protocols and third-party security solutions such as Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX).*

The PRO/Wireless 2100A also features Intel PROSet software, which provides easy configuration, advanced profile management that enables multiple setup profiles to connect to different WLAN networks as the client moves between different access points, connection status monitoring, and the ability to turn the 802.11 radios on and off.

The Intel PRO/Wireless 2100A network connection is the latest addition to Intel Centrino mobile technology, which combines the Intel Pentium® M processor, the Intel® 855 chipset family and an Intel PRO/Wireless network connection WLAN solution. Intel Centrino mobile technology enables integrated wireless LAN connectivity, extended battery life, lighter PC designs and outstanding mobile performance and reliability.

Intel, Centrino and Pentium are trademarks registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Note: Important Information: Wireless connectivity and some features may require you to purchase additional software, services or external hardware. Availability of public wireless LAN access points limited. System performance measured by MobileMark* 2002. System performance, battery life, wireless performance and functionality will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. See http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/more_info for more information.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.