Proxim Unveils Symphony-HRF: Interoperable Broadband Home Networking Without Wires; HomeRF Solution Is Secure, Easy to Install and Supports Upcoming Voice Technologies

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

COMDEX Fall 2000

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2000

Proxim, Inc., (Nasdaq:PROX) the leader in wirefree broadband networking, today introduced Symphony-HRF(TM), a new product set that extends its market-leading Symphony wirefree home and small office networking family. Symphony-HRF is compatible with the HomeRF standard, enabling secure high-speed networking that is interoperable with a wide range of products, works within a hybrid network and is compatible with future voice-enabled computing devices. Symphony-HRF also offers streamlined configuration and installation and security features.

Symphony-HRF delivers a wirefree home or small office network that connects up to ten computers at 1.6 Mbps over distances up to 150 feet (50 meters). Users can share files, printers and a single broadband or dial-up Internet connection. Through its support of the HomeRF protocol, Symphony-HRF offers forward compatibility with upcoming voice technologies and interoperability with a wide range of HomeRF-based products and services from Cayman Systems, Compaq, IBM and Intel. Symphony-HRF also enables hybrid networks within the home. It is compatible with both HomePNA-based phone line networks and OpenAir solutions including the previously released Symphony products.

"As a current Symphony user, I can't tell you how many family arguments we've avoided by being able to share Internet connections and files on both of our computers. And we've stopped tripping over each other's wires," said Andrew Galewsky, of VP Consulting Services and a Symphony customer. "We're excited to integrate Symphony-HRF products into our system so I can control a home weather station by networking desktops and a laptop computer on both floors of my home."

The Symphony-HRF product family is streamlined for simple installation and ease of use. The family includes USB adapters for desktop PCs, PC cards for laptop PCs and the industry's only consumer Gateway unit. The USB adapters and PC cards may be attached without opening a computer. The Gateway offers a direct connection to a DSL modem or router, cable modem or router or Ethernet LAN, offering an easy, low-cost alternative to using a PC host for the network. Symphony-HRF also features intuitive applications that simplify installation, configuration and modem sharing, and auto-detection software that configures protocols based on the combination of Symphony and Symphony-HRF products in the network.

"We've created Symphony-HRF to provide a wirefree, easy way for consumers to network their homes today and to take advantage of technological developments on the horizon," said Kurt Bauer, vice president and general manager of Proxim. "By embracing the HomeRF standard, Symphony-HRF not only allows our customers the greatest range of compatible devices, it also paves the way for new voice-enabled systems."

In addition to its speed and interoperability, Symphony-HRF is an extremely secure wirefree networking solution. The product uses the HomeRF standard of frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum technology, which allows for commercial-grade home networks that are immune to eavesdropping. In addition, Symphony-HRF, like the original Symphony solutions, includes a built-in firewall to protect users from Internet intruders.

"It's clear that home networking is a major trend among consumers," said Craig Mathias, an analyst with Farpoint Group. "A rapidly-increasing number of homes have multiple PCs and other computing devices, along with high-speed Internet connections, so they need sophisticated, secure solutions to network their devices and connect them to the Internet. Wireless really is the best choice in many if not most cases, offering not just simple installation, but the convenience of mobility as well."

Pricing and Availability

Symphony-HRF products will be available in early December in the U.S. and Canada through major electronics stores including CompUSA, Fry's Electronics and Office Depot. The product line includes:

-- Symphony-HRF Cordless USB Adapter, $119

-- Symphony-HRF Cordless PC Card, $129

-- Symphony-HRF Cordless Gateway, $199

Symphony-HRF products are interoperable with previously released Symphony products including the Symphony Cordless ISA Card, PCI Card, PC Card, Cordless Modem and Cordless Ethernet Bridge.

Please visit Proxim Booth No. L3819 at Fall COMDEX to learn more about Symphony-HRF.

About Proxim

Proxim, Inc. (Nasdaq: PROX) has over 15 years of experience designing and building wirefree broadband networking solutions. Proxim's Symphony(TM) is the world's leading wirefree networking products for the home and small office. Complementing these offerings are the Proxim line of Farallon NetLINE Ethernet, HomeLINE HPNA, and SkyLINE wireless solutions. The company's RangeLAN2(TM) leads in the enterprise, OEM and wireless service provider markets with nearly one million installed units. For building-to-building broadband networking, Proxim's Stratum(TM) is the fastest license-exempt wirefree Ethernet bridge, connecting buildings at distances up to seven miles. Proxim is also a founding member of the Wireless LAN Interoperability Forum (WLI Forum), and a core member of the Home Radio Frequency Working Group. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with offices globally. Visit www.proxim.com for more information.