3Com Unveils Next Generation Enterprise Wireless LAN Solutions for Optimal Performance
New PC Card and Wireless Outdoor Bridge Offer Reliable Connections, Improved Mobility and Enhanced Security Capabilities
MISSISSAUGA ON, October 30, 2002 3Com today extended it enterprise-class wireless LAN product family with the global delivery of the new 3Com® 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card and the addition of the 3Com Wireless LAN Outdoor Bridge Solution. Both solutions offer unsurpassed wireless LAN performance: the wireless PC Card features the patented design of the retractable XJACK® antenna and enhanced software capabilities for security and usability, while the new Outdoor Wireless Bridge is designed with a weatherproof enclosure to withstand exposed, outdoor environments and ensure reliable connections.
"3Com's innovation is focused on providing advanced security, easy management and choice in format. This is demonstrated by these two new wireless products," said Bruce Comeau, Wireless Networking Specialist, 3Com Canada." The new 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card is a top-of-the-line enterprise 802.11b PC Card, optimized with features that medium and large enterprise IT managers demand to more effectively secure and manage their Wireless LAN networks. The new wireless bridge combines all the features and functionality of our proven bridging solutions into a durable, compact wireless bridge by removing the need for multiple components and extended installation."
New 3Com PC Card Enhances the Enterprise Wireless LAN Experience
3Com's latest 802.11b Wireless LAN PC Card has five new key attributes for optimal performance and ease-of-use.
- Autonomous load balancing enables the PC card to monitor traffic across available access points and select the access point with the best bandwidth.
- XJACK antenna with smart switch allows the PC card to go into power save mode to preserve battery life when the antenna is retracted and provides clear reception when the antenna is extended.
- 802.11d roaming allows the PC Card to receive wireless LAN settings for international and regional communications directly from the access point.
- 3Com's Wireless LAN Manager now provides location detection and automatic activation of wireless LAN profiles pre-set by the user, as well as automatic activation of a virtual private network (VPN) based on the user location.
- 3Link simplifies initiation into multi-participant software applications by finding and displaying potential participants from the local area or ad hoc network without the need for Internet connection.
Additionally, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card comes with several features to secure wireless connections in the enterprise, such as support for 40- and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), 802.1x, EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS and 3Com's unique Dynamic Security Link and Serial Authentication*. 3Com's Wireless LAN Manager allows users to create location-specific wireless profiles and will automatically activate the appropriate SSID, security, and virtual private network (VPN) settings as users move from location to location.
3Com Wireless Bridge Takes on Harsh Outdoor Conditions
The 3Com Wireless LAN Outdoor Bridge Solution combines the antennas, antenna cables, Ethernet cable, Power over Ethernet Module and wireless bridge in a unique weatherproof enclosure that provides complete weather protection. The wireless bridge offers a cost-effective alternative to laying cable by supporting distances of up to 10 miles at 11 Mbps, and it can quickly provide connections between temporary locations, such as trailers in construction sites or temporary classrooms in educational settings. Organizations can set up the wireless bridge in point-to-point and point-to-multipoint configurations covering distances from 300 meters to 16,000 meters. 3Com teamed with MAXRAD, a leading manufacturer of wireless communications antennas, in developing this rugged new wireless bridge.
To keep wireless information secure, the 3Com Wireless LAN Outdoor Bridge Solution supports both 40-bit and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and comes equipped with 3Com's Dynamic Security Link when used with other 3com wireless products. The wireless outdoor bridge is also transparent to Virtual Private Network protocols.
The new products are the latest additions to 3Com's line of wireless LAN solutions, which includes wireless PC cards, access points, gateways, and bridges. 3Com offers customers of all sizes the widest range of wireless solutions, designed for the most simple to the most sophisticated LAN infrastructure. 3Com ensures standards-based Wi-Fi compatibility with the right feature set and at the right price.
Product Details and Pricing
The new 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card is priced at $180 (CDN. list) and is now shipping worldwide. The 3Com Wireless LAN Outdoor Bridge Solution is priced at $1,785 (CDN. list) and is expected to be available worldwide in mid November. Interested customers and resellers can obtain additional information on the new solutions at 1-800-NET-3COM or at www.3com.com.
About 3Com Canada
3Com is a tier-one provider of innovative, practical and high-value networking products for enterprise customers. 3Com is also a leader in Internet protocol (IP) service platforms and access infrastructure for the network service provider market. For further information, please visit ca.3com.com.
3Com, XJACK and the 3Com logo are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.
*Requires 3Com Wireless LAN Access Point 6000 or 3Com Wireless LAN Access Point 8000
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