IEEE-compliant
wireless LAN sets
new performance levels

Adoption of IEEE 802.11 standard
ensures interoperability
with other systems and peripherals

Wireless LANs have always been a highly sought after means of communications
and networking. However, until now, compatibility among different systems
as well as with LAN-based peripherals was questionable.

In order to ensure interoperability between its wireless LAN products
and those of other manufacturers, Lucent Technologies (Murray Hill, NJ)
has introduced the WaveLAN IEEE 802.11-compliant wireless LAN system.
Comprising IEEE-compliant PC Cards, an ISA adapter board, the WavePoint-II Access
Point, and an optional indoor antenna, the system is not only interoperable
with other IEEE 802.11-compliant systems but can also be employed with
the company's current line of wireless LAN products.

The WaveLAN IEEE 802.11-compliant wireless LAN system from Lucent
Technologies is interoperable with other systems and compatible with the company's
established wireless LAN products.

In addition to establishing a current wireless LAN standard, IEEE 802.11
proposes specifications for extending data rates, range, and performance
of compliant networks in the near future. According to research firm Frost
and Sullivan (Mountain View, CA), the IEEE 802.11 standard's increased
performance and interoperability has given confidence to information professionals
wishing to adopt this new technology.

Adding to that prediction, market analysis firm Business Research Group
(Newton, MA) claims the new standard will lower prices, increase sales,
and boost production volumes. The firm expects worldwide wireless LAN sales
to increase from $496 million in 1997 to over $2 billion in the year 2000.

In terms of increased performance, Lucent's WaveLAN system is offered
as having the highest throughput with the lowest power consumption of any
comparable system. The system uses 2.4-GHz direct-sequence spread-spectrum
radios to provide a 2-Mbit/s throughput with less than 350 mA of peak
current draw. A multichannel roaming feature automatically adjusts channel
settings and tunes to the frequency of the nearest access point.

WaveLAN IEEE-compliant PC Cards can be installed in handheld instruments
and portable PCs. Using the WaveLAN ISA card, they can be used in desktop
PCs as well.

The WavePoint-II Access Point provides two card slots. This allows users
of the company's established products to migrate to the 802.11-compliant
technology by installing a WaveLAN IEEE-compliant PC Card in one slot while
keeping the older card in the other.

Depending on physical layout, the system can provide an indoor range
of up to 1,200 ft. Using the optional indoor Range Extender antenna can
improve that range by up to 20%.

The WaveLAN PC Card costs $495, or $545 with the WaveLAN ISA card. The
WavePoint-II Access Point is priced at $1,295, and the optional Range Extender
antenna is $90. All are shipping this month. For further information, call
Sam Gronner of Lucent Technologies at 973-386-5065, or visit http://www.wavelan.com.