Patrick McLaughlin
Lucent Technologies (Murray Hill, NJ) recently released a Wavelan networking card that accommodates several Apple computers, including the Powerbook G3 series. The new Lucent product fits into a standard Type 2 PC card slot and provides wireless connections between standards-compatible PC, workstation, or peripheral systems at distances to 1000 feet. By using Lucent`s Wavepoint II bridge, which links wired and wireless Ethernet local area networks (LANs), users of Wavelan-equipped Apple computers can also connect to a wired lan.
In announcing the product, Lucent clearly emphasized that the company intends to target academia. "Most schools and universities are heavy users of both Macintosh computers and PCs," says Angela Champness, director of product and business development for Lucent`s Wireless Communications and Networking Div. "They need a wireless environment that can seamlessly accommodate both platforms, including desktop and notebook versions." And Lucent helps them achieve that.
The card supports the following Macintosh platforms: G3, 2400 series, 3400 series, 1400 series, 5300 series, and 190 series Powerbooks. The card uses direct-sequence spread-spectrum technology and operates at the 24-gigahertz bandwidth. It complies with the 802.11 wireless lan standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE--New York City).
Not surprisingly, Apple is happy with the product`s development. "We`re very pleased to see wireless networking being embraced by the education community," says Greg Joswiak, director of product marketing for Powerbook. He says the card`s availability means "Powerbook customers in education can add wireless networking capability with ease."
Since last November, the Wavelan/ IEEE Apple drivers have been available as a free download from the Wavelan Web site.