HP Creates a Simple, Reliable Way to Connect Portable PCs to a LAN; Infrared Light Replaces Cumbersome Cables on New NetBeamIR LAN Access Point

Business Wire, Jan 29, 1996

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 1996-- Hewlett-Packard Company, the leader in network systems for workgroups, today introduced NetBeamIR LAN access point, a desktop device that uses an infrared beam to connect a portable PC to a network. NetBeamIR LAN access point gives mobile professionals fast, easy and reliable access to critical network information resources, including e-mail, network printers, databases, network files and the Internet.

Establishing the connection is as simple as placing the portable PC within three feet of NetBeamIR LAN access point: The connection is made in seconds. NetBeamIR LAN access point lists for $289.

"HP's NetBeamIR LAN access point is the easiest solution for connecting a laptop to a network," said Nick Lippis, president of Strategic Networks Consulting, Inc. "It is so hassle-free that mobile users will want to connect to the LAN the minute they get into the office."

"We're making life easy for mobile professionals by eliminating the need for cables to access the network," said Gary McAnally, general manager of HP's Roseville (Calif.) Networks Division. "And, for network administrators, we've eliminated the complexities associated with current solutions such as PCMCIA cards, parallel adapters and wireless LANs."

NetBeamIR LAN access point connects directly to any 10Base-T or 10Base-2 Ethernet network at speeds up to 4 megabits-per-second (Mbps). The software needed to establish an infrared connection from the portable PC to NetBeamIR LAN access point is built into Windows 95. Any Windows 95-compatible network operating system works with NetBeamIR LAN access point, including Novell NetWare, Windows NT and LAN Manager, and IBM LAN Server.

Using NetBeamIR LAN access point for LAN access has two secondary benefits for portable PC users. First, the infrared port on the portable PC needs minimal power to operate. Mobile professionals can stay connected to the network with very little additional drain on battery power. Second, using NetBeamIR LAN access point frees a PCMCIA slot on the portable for other uses.

INFRARED STANDARD BRINGS COMPATIBILITY, RELIABILITY AND SPEED

Because NetBeamIR LAN access point complies with the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard, it can be used with any brand of portable PC equipped with an IrDA-compliant infrared port. Leading industry analysts expect that more than 75 percent of mobile computers shipped in the United States in 1996 will include an infrared port. By 1997, that figure is expected to increase to more than 93 percent.

IrDA compliance also delivers a high degree of reliability as data is being transferred. NetBeamIR LAN access point monitors for interruptions in the link and ensures data integrity if the link is broken.

Under the IrDA standard, NetBeamIR LAN access point operates at 4Mbps, 1Mbps or 115Kbps. Like a modem, NetBeamIR LAN access point negotiates to the highest common speed with the portable PC upon connection. At 4Mbps, NetBeamIR LAN access point can send a 1MB file in approximately three seconds.

NetBeamIR LAN access point is scheduled to begin shipping in April 1996 in the United States and Canada. It will be available through HP authorized resellers and wherever mobile PC accessories are sold.

HP's Roseville (Calif.) Networks Division and HP's Network Server Division deliver a complete line of network workgroup solutions. The Network Server Division makes the NetServer line of file servers and is one of the fastest-growing file-server suppliers. Roseville Networks Division is a leading supplier of stackable hubs, print servers and high-speed network products. Its products include AdvanceStack 10Base-T and 100VG hubs, AdvanceStack 10/100 switches, AdvanceStack routers and remote-access products, OpenView network-management applications, JetDirect print servers, 10Base-T and 10/100VG LAN Adapters and the NetBeamIR infrared LAN access point.

HP's full line of networking products includes AdvanceStack routers, AdvanceStack 100VG hubs, AdvanceStack 10Base-T hubs, AdvanceStack 10/100VG switches, AdvanceStack 10Base-T switches, OpenView network-management applications, JetDirect print servers, 10Base-T and 10/100VG LAN Adapters.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 102,300 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com. -0-

Windows is a U.S. trademark of Microsoft Corp. -0-

NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Sales information may be obtained by calling 1-800-533-1333 or at http://www.hp.com on the World Wide Web or visit HP's Network_City at http://www.hp.com/go/network_city. For information and support by FAX, users may dial FAX HP FIRST (800-333-1917). Please do NOT use editor-contact or corporate telephone numbers for sales information. Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.