SMC Networks Consumer Products Division Expands Networking Technology for Consumers

Business Wire, Nov 12, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2001

High-Performance Consumer PC Connectivity Enhanced Through the

Introduction of Compact Flash, Wired & Wireless LAN cards,

USB 2.0, Power Line, and Firewire Adapters

SMC Networks, an industry-leading provider of wired and wireless networking solutions for the home, SOHO and small-to-medium businesses, today expanded the availability of cost-effective high-performance PC connectivity solutions for consumers through the launch of its diverse line of Compact Flash network adapters, FireWire adapters and Power Line networking equipment.

"SMC has long been known for its innovative wired and wireless networking solutions for the Home, Small Office/Home Office, Small/Medium Business, and Small/Medium Enterprise markets," stated Jamie Stack, vice president/general manager Consumer Products Division of SMC Networks. "The addition of these new products to our growing family of consumer connectivity solutions is proof of SMC's continued dedication to providing complete, flexible networking solutions to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of today's residential and SOHO users."

Compact Flash Networking Solutions

SMC's EZ Connect(TM) 11Mbps Wireless Compact Flash card (SMC2642W) and the wired version, EZ Connect 10/100 Compact Flash LAN adapter (SMC16CF), provide high-speed 802.11b-compliant network connectivity to Compact Flash-enabled handheld devices. With a maximum transmission distance of up to 1000 feet, the SMC2642W is a Plug-and-Play ultra-compact Type II wireless Compact Flash card which operates at data transfer speeds of up to 11Mbps and offers 64- or 128-bit WEP encryption to ensure secure data transmission across the network.

The optimal Fast Ethernet LAN connectivity solution for handheld devices, the SMC16CF is a lightweight, portable Compact Flash 10/100 network adapter that supports most network operating systems including Microsoft(R) Pocket PC 2002. Increasing the functionality and flexibility of the SMC16CF, the card is 16-bit PCMCIA compatible for use with a slot adapter which is included at no extra cost to the consumer.

The EZ Connect(TM) 11Mbps Wireless Compact Flash card (SMC2642W) and EZ Connect 10/100 Compact Flash LAN adapter (SMC16CF) will be available mid-December 2001, at estimated street prices of $132.00 and $99.00 respectively.

Powerline Networking Solutions

Eliminating the need to run unsightly Ethernet cables, SMC's EZ Connect Power Line adapters provide a convenient high-speed, and cost-effective network solution for home and small office applications that allows users to establish their network through existing power lines and outlets. The convenience of having network access as close as the nearest power outlet, as well as the cost savings afforded by networking without the need for CAT-5 cable coupled with high-speed data transfer rates of up to 14Mbps, makes the Power Line adapters an ideal small LAN solution.

SMC's Power Line products include: EZ Connect Powerline Ethernet Adapter (SMC2930E), EZ Connect Powerline USB Adapter (SMC2920USB), and the EZ Card Powerline PCI Adapter (SMC2910PCI). All EZ Powerline adapters will be available late-December 2001 at estimated street prices of $129.00 for the SMC2930E, $129.00 for the SMC2920USB, and $119.00 for the SMC2910PCI.

FireWire Networking Solutions

Taking advantage of the high-speed, high-bandwidth capability of FireWire technology, SMC introduces its EZ Connect FireWire solutions, which include a PC card (SMC1394FW) and PCI card (SMC1394CPI).

The SMC1394FW and SMC1394PCI provide a high-speed bus to meet the demanding performance requirements for sharing files with entertainment devices such as DVDs, CDs, TVs, scanners, and digital cameras. The Plug-and-Play Firewire Adapter, which fully supports the provisions of the IEEE 1394 - 1995 standard, provides two 1394a cable ports operating at data transfer rates of 100/200/400 Mbps and can support up to 63 devices. The SMC1394FW will be available mid-December at an estimated street price of $85.00.

USB 2.0 Solutions

SMC Networks will also launch USB 2.0 technology to provide high speed easy networking capabilities for the consumer marketplace. Featuring the SMC2232USB and the SMC2232PCI. The USB 2.0 Hi-Speed PCI or USB Board is a dramatic performance increase over the standard USB 1.1. Whereas the USB 1.1 is only 12Mbits/s, the new USB 2.0 Hi-Speed specification used by these new SMC adapters run at up to 480Mbits/s. Consumers migrating to these new faster adapters can be comfortable with the fact that the USB 2.0 is backward compatible with the 1.1 specs. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support, SMC's network solutions are available via direct marketers, e-commerce sites, through the Solution Provider channel, and to strategic accounts around the world.

About SMC Networks

For 30 years, SMC Networks has set the standard for high-quality, standards-based PC connectivity and Internet access. SMC leverages global manufacturing resources and strategic relationships with technology innovators to bring to market a growing range of affordable, leading-edge products. These include Gigabit and Fast Ethernet Switching, and integrated broadband/wireless connectivity products for small-to-medium sized businesses/enterprises and networked homes, in addition to the company's full line of traditional network hardware solutions.