Wireless networks ‘future-proofed’

SANTA CLARA, California – Businesses no longer have to choose one wireless networking flavor over the other. They can now implement and take advantage of both the widely available connectivity of 802.11b and 802.11a’s higher transmission speeds and less crowded frequency while keeping costs down.

3Com Corp. recently announced a new line of modular wireless LAN access points and upgrade kits that offer customers the ability to easily bring the newer 802.11a wireless standard into their network while preserving their investment in existing wireless technology.

"3Com continues to drive innovations that offer practical solutions for customers," said John Yoon, 3Com’s senior director for wireless and security product management.

"The modular design of our new wireless LAN access points are a perfect example: customers can now select the configuration of radios to best fit their organization while removing the need to purchase additional add-ons like power devices and antennas," he added.

The new wireless products include the 3Com Wireless LAN Access Point 8200 with 802.11b radio; the 3Com Wireless LAN Access Point 8500 with 802.11a radio; and the 3Com Wireless LAN Access Point 8700 with 802.11a and 802.11b radios.

All three access points offer two configurable radio slots so that customers can upgrade or change the radio boards to accommodate new technology or better serve the existing radio needs of an organization.

The 3Com Wireless LAN Upgrade Kit is available in either 802.11b or 802.11a and comes with a radio board, an antenna board, and necessary accessories to allow the customer to easily install the upgrade into the access point.