Proxim Delivers First 802.11a Mini PCI Card for OEMs; 802.11a Design-in Module Enables Built-In High-Speed Wireless Capabilities

Business Wire, Sept 24, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2001

Proxim, Inc., (Nasdaq:PROX), the leader in wireless broadband networking, today announced the availability of the first IEEE 802.11a-compliant product, enabling wireless networking speeds up to 100 Mbps, rivaling those of wired networks. Proxim is now shipping its 802.11a Mini PCI Card, a design-in module for OEMs to integrate wireless capabilities seamlessly into laptops and other mobile devices.

The Proxim 802.11a Mini PCI Card provides a simple, cost-effective solution for manufacturers who want to offer their customers built-in wireless capabilities that will integrate with high-speed 802.11a networks. Proxim's 802.11a products enable connection speeds up to 100 Mbps in Proxim's 2X mode, with better throughput at any range than 802.11b, a current 11 Mbps standard. With speeds up to 100 Mbps, users can share large files, such as presentations and spreadsheets, distribute and play high-quality multimedia content, and collaborate on projects over a wireless network at wired network speeds.

"Proxim is pleased to be the first company to offer this high-speed wireless module to OEMs and their customers," said Lynn Chroust, director of the commercial networks business unit for Proxim. "Proxim's 802.11a Mini PCI Card conforms to the industry standard, so it will be very quick and easy for OEMs to integrate it into their designs."

Additionally, 802.11a offers significantly more channels than 802.11b, allowing much greater scalability for large deployments. Operating in the license-free 5 GHz band, 802.11a provides network connectivity with no interference from 2.4 GHz devices such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and other wireless LANs. By having 802.11a wireless capabilities built in, users of mobile devices will be able to quickly and easily take advantage of the benefits of an 802.11a network.

Proxim's 802.11a Mini PCI Card is based on the industry leading AR5000 chipset from Atheros Communications. "Atheros is very pleased to be working with Proxim to bring this product to OEMs," said Mark Bercow, vice president of Marketing for Atheros. "802.11a will dramatically improve wireless communication, and Proxim's Mini PCI Card will enable OEMs to offer their customers the highest level of wireless connectivity."

Proxim has over 15 years of experience working with OEMs and offers a variety of support tools and services including developer's kits, integration support, antenna design and certification services. Additionally, a team of skilled networking and wireless engineers that understand OEM requirements is available to help with integration questions. A partial list of Proxim OEM customers includes Casio, Motorola, Philips, Sharp and Siemens.

About Proxim

Proxim, Inc. (Nasdaq:PROX), the leader in wireless broadband networking, has over 15 years of experience designing and building wireless broadband networking solutions for the enterprise, service provider and home markets. The Harmony(TM) product family provides long-term investment protection for enterprises through the industry's first multi-standard architecture designed to work with any wireless technology. Harmony also offers a broad range of design-in modules for OEMs. The Stratum(TM) product family offers a range of broadband access solutions and building-to-building networking connectivity for enterprises and service providers. The Symphony(TM) product family offers easy-to-use, inexpensive wireless networking for homes. The Skyline(TM), Netline(TM) and Homeline(TM) product families provide a broad range of wireless, Ethernet and HPNA solutions, respectively, for small businesses and schools. Proxim is a member of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance and a Promoter of the Home Radio Frequency Working Group along with Compaq, Intel, Siemens, Motorola, National Semiconductor and other leaders in the wireless market. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with offices globally. Visit www.proxim.com for more information.