Farallon Announces SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card for Macintosh PowerBooks
and PC Notebooks
11Mb 802.11b HR DSSS LAN connectivity for cross-platform networking without
wires.
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. February 16th, 2000 – Farallon Communications, Inc.,
developer of reliable, plug-and-play networking solutions for Macs and PCs,
today announced an 11Mb version of their popular SkyLINE Wireless PC Card
for portable computers. SkyLINE provides both Macintosh PowerBook and PC
notebook users access to network resources such as file servers, email,
printers and the Internet without the hassle of wires.
Due to ship in April 2000, Farallons SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card is
based on the currently shipping award-winning 2Mb SkyLINE solution. In
addition, SkyLINE 11Mb comes with support for 40-bit WEP encryption and
enhanced Control Panels for simplified configuration and management. As
with the 2Mb version, SkyLINE 11Mb is compatible with Apple’s AirPort
wireless solutions as well as other IEEE 802.11 DSSS compatible access
points from vendors like Nokia, Lucent and Maxtech.
“With the introduction of the SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card, we’ve added
higher performance, increased security and an improved User Interface to an
already successful product,” states Ken Haase, VP Marketing for Farallon.
“This new solution gives users real time network access at speeds
comparable to wired Ethernet with the flexibility of wireless
connectivity,” adds Haase.
The 11Mb version is based on the IEEE 802.11b DSSS standard and will
interoperate on the same wireless network along with other 802.11 DSSS
solutions. Owners of Farallons 2Mb SkyLINE card will have the option to
purchase the 11Mb SkyLINE card at a reduced price through Farallons direct
upgrade program. Details of this upgrade will be made available when the
11Mb version ships.
SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card Networking
SkyLINE 11Mb users can connect to a wired Ethernet infrastructure network
via 802.11 DSSS access points or base stations. In addition, ad hoc
peer-to-peer wireless networks can be created without an access point
between two or more SkyLINE-equipped portables.
SkyLINE 11Mb features 40-bit WEP encryption for increased security,
Farallon test utilities and at-a-glance link LED to simplify
troubleshooting, a unique Control Panel with real-time signal strength
meter and network statistics, as well as dynamic configuration capabilities
omitting the need for restart every time a change is made. Additionally, in
order to get the maximum operating range, SkyLINE 11Mb will automatically
step down from 11Mbps to 5.5 Mbps, 2Mbps and 1Mbps as users distance
themselves from the access point.
SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card Specifications
– Type II PC Card (PCMCIA) with the Intersil PRISM WLAN chip set for
advanced Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology in the 2.4GHz
radio frequency band.
– 11Mb IEEE 802.11b High Rate (HR) standard, including translation and
encapsulation addressing modes, for maximum data rate and seamless
integration with any Ethernet network.
– Multi-platform drivers for use in Macintosh PowerBooks 2400, 3400, G3
Series or Windows 95/98, NT notebooks. (Future support: PowerBook 190,
1400, 5300 & Windows 2000)
– Compatible with other 802.11b 11Mb DSSS clients such as Apples AirPort,
as well as 802.11 2Mb clients.
– Compatible with 802.11 2Mb and 802.11b 11Mb DSSS access points from
manufacturers such as Apple, Nokia, Lucent, Maxtech and others.
– 40 bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Protection) encryption support for increased
security.
– Support for all major network protocols including TCP/IP, NetBEUI, IPX
and AppleTalk.
– Operating range of approximately 150ft (dependent on environment) to an
access point or other wireless device automatic fallback rates of
5.5Mbps, 2Mbps and 1Mbps for maximum range.
– Free Dr. Farallon technical support and 3 year warranty.
SkyLINE 11Mb Availability, Requirements & Certification
Due to ship April 2000, Farallon’s SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card [PN473]
will be available through major distributors and resellers worldwide.
International availability is dependent on individual country certification
requirements. US Estimated Street Price TBD
Macintosh PowerBooks: 2400, 3400, G3 Series
(Future support: PowerBook 190, 1400 & 5300)
Available Type II PC card (PCMCIA) slot
Mac OS 7.5.5 or higher and OT 1.1.1
Windows PC Card Notebooks
Available Type II PC card (PCMCIA) slot
Windows 95/98, or NT
(Future support: Windows 2000)
NOTE: SkyLINE 11Mb will be certified for use in North America, Japan,
Australia and Europe.
Dr. Farallon Provides Free Cross-Platform Technical Support
Only a phone call or an email away, Farallon’s 14 plus years of experience
providing technical support to both Mac and PC users is available prior to,
during or after installing a network. For a personal consultation, visit
http://www.farallon.com/dr.farallon or call toll free 800.613.4954.
About Farallon Communications, Inc.
Founded in 1986, Farallon specializes in bringing to market robust
cross-platform connectivity solutions designed to simplify networking
through innovation. With over 8 million customers worldwide, Farallon is
dedicated to providing complete, easy-to-use networking solutions and
world-class technical support to the Home, Small Business, Publishing and
Education communities. Farallon offers a complete line of network cards,
adapters, hubs and switches. Further information can be obtained via phone
510.346.8000, web site http://www.farallon.com/ or email
mailto:info@farallon.com. Farallon is an affiliate of Gores Technology
Group, a worldwide high technology business management company. The
Farallon headquarters are in San Leandro, California, with a European
office in the UK.