Wireless LANs Gain Speed at Comdex

LAS VEGAS -- Next-generation wireless networking products capable of moving data at speeds up to 54 mbps were among the few technology highlights this week at a Comdex thin on major innovation.

Proxim, Intel, SMC Networks, and others showed their first products to support the IEEE 802.11a (or Wi-Fi5) specification, which significantly outpaces the 11-mbps maximum of today's 802.11b (or Wi-Fi) networks. Slated to ship by year-end, these products should eventually support streaming multimedia, which generally requires 20- to 25-mbps throughput. However, the first products will target small- and medium-sized businesses.

Proxim, for example, showed two 802.11a lines--the small-business oriented Skyline products, and an enterprise-oriented Harmony line. The Skyline products--a $179 PC Card and $449 access point--are designed for use with an existing network that has a router. After plugging the access point into an Ethernet hub, you'd be able to move large files to and from a PC Card-equipped notebook.

At launch, Intel's Pro/Wireless 5000 line also consists of a PC Card and an access point, priced comparably to Proxim's Skyline 802.11a products. SMC Networks showed an 802.11a access point, not yet shipping.

These Wi-Fi5 products are all significantly more expensive than their Wi-Fi counterparts, which tend to run about $100 to 130 for PC Cards and $200 to $250 for residential gateways.

No Gateway Replacements

None of the 802.11a access points are suitable replacements for today's 802.11b wireless home network gateways because they don't have a built-in router, which is required in order to connect multiple PCs to the larger network. You couldn't, for example, attach an access point to a broadband modem for use with several PCs, as you can with a residential gateway. Also, since DSL and cable hookups tend to top out at 1 to 1.5 mbps, the additional bandwidth of 802.11a wouldn't speed up Internet access anyway.

Some vendors, including Sony and TDK, have also announced plans to incorporate 802.11a technology into their PC and consumer electronics offerings, suggesting that the technology will be used for consumer applications sooner rather than later.

Though offering terrific speed, 802.11a has some drawbacks. It shares the same flawed WEP encryption algorithm used by 802.11b, so users will likely want to supply additional security of their own. Also, since 802.11a transmits on the 5-GHz band, it's not backwards compatible with 802.11b, which operates on the 2.4-GHz band. Finally, use of the 5-GHz band means 802.11a's range, about 300 feet, is likely to decline faster than 802.11b's when physical obstacles such as doors and walls are present.

On the other hand, 802.11a networks will not have the potential for interference from other 2.4-GHz products such as microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones.