Intel gears up for faster wireless networking

NEWS Intel is to release its new generation of high-speed wireless LAN kits, joining a range of manufacturers supporting the standard. The equipment, using the 802.11a standard - a faster version of the popular 802.11b standard sometimes known as wi-fi - will be announced at the Comdex trade show in Las Vegas today. The 802.11a allows connection speeds of up to 54Mbps, exceeding the 11Mbps offered by 802.11b, but it has not yet been approved for use in Europe. Nonetheless, Intel is about to ship 802.11a capable access equipment in Europe, in the expectation that a modified version of the standard will be legally available by Q2 2002. Cisco is also expected to demonstrate an 802.11a solution, according to Cnet.com, though no launch date has been announced. 3Com will ship 802.11a in Q2 2002.