airBridgeTM : Wireless freedom for all Ethernet equipment

Singapore-based technology company, smartBridges, has launched airBridgeTM ,a novel gadget that promises to turn any equipment with an Ethernet port into a wireless device. . All computers, peripherals, terminals and electronic machines with an Ethernet port may now connect to the local area network without wires

PRESS RELEASE

airBridgeTM : Wireless freedom for all Ethernet equipment

Singapore, January 10, 2002 --Singapore-based technology company, smartBridges, has launched a new gadget that promises to turn any equipment with an Ethernet port into a wireless device. Named airBridgeTM , this Wireless Ethernet Client makes instant connection to the wireless network when plugged into the Ethernet port. All computers, peripherals, terminals and electronic machines with an Ethernet port may now operate without wires. The airBridge is the first device that is uniquely designed to provide wireless freedom to the billions of Ethernet equipment in use. It is certainly a boon to IT users who struggle with wire connectors and cables.

Using the airBridge is also sheer simpicity. Just plug the LAN cable from any equipment into the airBridges RJ45 socket - instead of the wall socket. The equipment connects instantly to the wireless LAN network. There is no software to load and no configuration setting to make.

Nimesh Parikh, CEO of smartBridges says," We believe this zero-configuration operation will create a large number of applications. For instance, airBridge will dramatically improve access at wireless Internet hotspots. Whereas previously a mobile professional has to buy, install, and configure a wireless PC Card, airBridge enables simple on-the-go access to the Internet or corporate network from any laptop with an Ethernet socket. To access the wireless network, the mobile professional simply connects airBridge to the Ethernet port on the laptop and launches the Internet browser software - no driver installation or configuration is needed. According to Cahners-InStat, nearly 25 million Ethernet LAN PCMCIA Cards have been shipped worldwide over the last three years. The airBridge immediately enables simple wireless access for this huge community of users."

In localities where Internet surfers frequent, service providers can now use the airBridge to provide access to the Internet without the expense and complexity of running cables and managing customer laptop configurations. smartBridges is ideally suited for airports, hotels, and other service outfits where it is possible to deploy a "bank" of airBridges at airport waiting areas, hotel lobbies, convention centers, cafeterias and other service establishments. This would provide corporate travelers and other internet surfers quick and easy high-speed Internet access without the need for complex hardware and software installation. Similarly, wireless networking access can be available without cabling and configuration hassles in conference rooms, libraries, lecture theatres, classrooms and like.

airBridge also expects to find wide acceptance in many other applications. airBridge is especially suited for use at meeting places of a temporary nature such as construction sites and exhibition facilities, by configuring it with off-the-shelf Ethernet Hubs. As wireless networking gains in popularity, there is increasing need to connect a variety of non-computer devices to the wireless LAN network. Most of these conventionally networked devices such as Point of Sales terminals, Printers, Scanners etc. cannot be connected to Wireless LANs as either they do not have the right connectivity interface or the drivers for wireless adapters are not available on such platforms. The smartBridges airBridge Wireless Ethernet Client is the first device of its kind to economically fill this gap.

Besides the simplicity, airBridge features exceptionally long operating distance due to its ground-breaking LongRangeTM wireless radio design. The radios receiver sensitivity of 95dBm allows it to receive the smallest incoming signals from the wireless access points. The transmitter pumps out 100mW peak power to make signals go the distance. Long Range effectively translates into greater cost savings as the area being covered by the Wireless LAN increases.

airBridge supports 40, 64 or 128 bit WEP encryption for security. This Wireless Ethernet Client comes with simpleMonitorTM, a software tool to make initial network configuration, perform site survey, monitor the signal quality and transmission statistics. The system integrator or the network administrator will find this software tool most useful.

Pricing and Availability

The airBridge Wireless Ethernet Client is available in global markets through numerous distribution networks. It lists for US$229. The product can also be purchased from the smartBridges online shop at http://www.smartbridges.com/shopping

About smartBridges

smartBridges simplifies how people access the Broadband Internet through easy-to-use connectivity products and solutions. The company is a fast growing, leading technology developer and manufacturer of Broadband and Wireless networking products. For more information visit http://www.smartbridges.com/

Contact:

Rajesh Yohannan

smartBridges Inc.

Phone: +65 324 0210

Email: rajeshy@smartbridges.com