Compaq WL series first to embrace wireless technology

Compaq has thrown its weight behind wireless technology, becoming the first to ship desktop and notebook computers containing high-speed 11Mbps wireless network cards.

Compaq has thrown its weight behind wireless technology, becoming the first to ship desktop and notebook computers containing high-speed 11Mbps wireless network cards.

The company's WL series of machines contain a PC or PCI card that uses Intersil's Prism II Wireless Lan chipset, the first to offer the higher 11Mbps connection rate under the 802.11b global wireless standard.

These cards combine with Access Points that act as wireless gateways, allowing users to log on to the traditional wired network at full Ethernet speeds. The system offers mobility to users within a building, allowing them to move around while still having full access to their files, e-mails, printing or internet browsing.

For companies with multiple sites, the system will automatically log in a user whenever they enter the building, allowing access to the enterprise network.

"This move enables anyone from corporate IT managers to small business owners to take full advantage of wireless networking technology to improve productivity and connectivity," said Larry Ciaccia, VP and general manager of Intersil's Prism wireless products. He said that Compaq's backing would also help speed acceptance of the 802.11b standard.