LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES ORINOCO ANNOUNCES USB RADIO DEVICE FOR WIRELESS NETWORKING
New device makes it easy to set up computers for home and enterprise
wireless networks
FOR RELEASE: November 28, 2000
LOS ANGELES — Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today announced the
availability of a USB wireless device for the ORiNOCO Internet access and
wireless networking system. By using the wireless USB Client, users can
wirelessly network a computer by simply plugging the device into a spare
USB connector and installing the software. Lucent made the announcement at
the Western Cable Show in Los Angeles.
The ORiNOCO system is Wi-Fi certified and enables users to enjoy secure,
high-speed (11 Mbps) wireless Internet access and wireless networking
anywhere in a building or home, indoors or outdoors. The new USB device
will enable communication between any USB equipped PC and the entire range
of ORiNOCO access points, including the home/SOHO Residential Gateway
(RG1000) or the AP-500 and AP-1000 access point base stations for large
enterprises and campuses. With a range of up to 1200 feet and up to 11 Mbps
bandwidth, the USB client is also compatible with other wireless networking
devices from companies like Acer, Apple, Dell, Enterasys (formerly known as
Cabletron), Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Melco/Buffalo, Sony, Toshiba, etc.
“We have made it easy to install a wireless network, especially for desktop
computer users,” said Peter van der Salm, Product Manager. “Users and
network managers no longer have to open up computers or worry about finding
a spare ISA or PCI slots and changing PC configurations. Just plug in the
radio, install the software, and it’s ready to go.”
“Ease of use is very important for home wireless systems,” said Barney
Dewey of Andrew Seybold’s Outlook. “The new ORiNOCO USB client will remove
one of the last remaining challenges to installing a wireless networking
system in the home or small office. It will also be more time efficient for
an IT manager when setting up an enterprise wireless network.”
The ORiNOCO USB Client is powered through the computer’s USB connector and
does not need a separate power supply. It provides indicator lights for
correct operation and data traffic. The ORiNOCO USB Client is available for
Windows 98, Windows ME and Windows 2000 users. The USB device will be
available in two variants; Silver 64-bit key WEP encryption and Gold
128-bit key encryption. The Silver USB is available at a manufacturer’s
suggested retail price of $199 and Gold is $219. The USB devices will be
available from various e-commerce sites, selected service providers, and at
most of Lucent’s VARs in North America.
The USB Client will be available first quarter of 2001. For purchasing
information and details about the ORiNOCO product line, call
1-800-928-3526, option 1 or visit the ORiNOCO web site at
www.lucent.com/orinoco.
About Lucent Technologies
Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and
delivers the systems, software, silicon and services for next generation
communications networks for service providers and enterprises. Backed by
the research and development of Bell Labs, Lucent focuses on high-growth
areas such as broadband and mobile Internet infrastructure; communications
software; communications semiconductors and optoelectronics; Web-based
enterprise solutions that link private and public networks; and
professional network design and consulting services. For more information
on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.
Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group is the world leader in
semiconductors for communications applications. Lucent has announced it
will spin off the Microelectronics Group as an independent company that
will include its optoelectronics and integrated circuits divisions. The
spin-off, slated for completion by the end of summer, 2001, will create the
only major stand- alone semiconductor company that can offer end-to-end
networking solutions that address the convergence of photonics and
electronics based on leadership in both integrated circuits and
optoelectronic components. The new company will also provide wireless
computer networking system solutions through its ORiNOCO product line.
More information about the Microelectronics Group is available from its web
site at http://www.lucent.com/micro.