(SANTA CLARA, CA) Atheros today launched its "highest performance 802.11n solution to date". The AR5008AP-3NX2 chipset, combines Atheros XSPAN draft 802.11n technology with a newWireless Network Processor Unit (WNPU). The chipset supports concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WLAN and is said to deliver "up to 600 Mbps aggregate physical data rates"
The emerging IEEE 802.11n WLAN (Wireless LAN) transmission technology based on MIMO (Multiple Inputs/Multiple Outputs) guarantees throughput of at least 100 Mbps but can deliver up to 600 Mbps depending on the complexity of the radio and on the environment. Although today's 802.11 networks can reach data rates of 54Mbps, the actual throughput is typically less than 30 Mbps due to protocol inefficiencies. 802.11n is expected to deliver true 100 Mbps throughput as measured at the MAC SAP (service access point) interface and will, therefore, more than triple the transmission speed of WLANs.
Wi-Fi chipset maker Ralink Technology today announced what it claims is the industry's "longest range" draft-802.11n Wi-Fi chipset. The company said its RT2800 chipset "doubles the range of high-performance wireless systems" through the use of patented, low-noise circuitry. Ralink also said the chipset is designed so that changes to the current draft-802.11n standard can be done via firmware upgrade.
Verizon Wireless and Sierra Wireless today announced that the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 PC card for EVDO Revision A networks is now available for use with Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess service. This is the first EVDO Revision A-compatible PC card to launch on the Verizon Wireless network.
Focus Enhancements today announced it has received FCC approval for its Ultra Wideband (UWB) DS-OFDM modulation scheme. The approval was granted without the waiver restrictions that are currently being applied to the WiMedia Standard UWB technology.
DS-OFDM UWB radios will be able to use all or any part of the 3.1 to 10.6 GHz spectrum allocated by the FCC. Focus said "UWB rates and distances will be significantly increased using DS-OFDM architecture".
HP and Cingular Wireless today announced availability of what is claimed to be the first notebook PC in the United States to feature built-in global mobile broadband capabilities.
HP said its Compaq nc6400 Notebook PC with integrated Cingular Wireless UMTS/HSDPA-based technology is the first notebook with a tri-band UMTS modem supporting data rates of up to 3.6 Mbps. It can access mobile broadband service in the United States via Cingular Wireless BroadbandConnect or high-speed EDGE services and in more than 115 countries where UMTS or GPRS/EDGE networks are available.
Wi-Fi Array maker Xirrus today announced the launch of the Xirrus 802.11n Upgrade Guarantee Program. The program provides customers with a pay-for 802.11n technology upgrade path on Arrays purchased in advance of the standard's ratification, which is expected sometime in 2008.
Xirrus said it can offer the upgrade due to the Array’s modular design. All RF components are located on modular printed circuit boards which can be replaced when 802.11n radio modules are available. An upgrade to an Array's firmware-based 802.11 MAC will also be required.