SMC is First to Market with Dual Band 2.4GHz/5GHz Universal Wireless CardBus Adapter

SMC Networks today introduced the industrys first dual band 802.11a/802.11b wireless adapter for notebook computers, the EZ Connect 2.4GHz/5GHz Universal Wireless CardBus Adapter (SMC2335W). Designed for use at work or at home, the SMC2335W is especially helpful to users who are on the move because it connects to any wireless access point on any network, whether 802.11a or 802.11b.

IRVINE, CA -- September 24, 2002 -- SMC Networks (www.smc.com), the company that takes the work out of networks with high-performance, easy-to-use connectivity products for business and home, today introduced the industrys first dual band 802.11a/802.11b wireless adapter for notebook computers, the EZ Connect 2.4GHz/5GHz Universal Wireless CardBus Adapter (SMC2335W). Designed for use at work or at home, the SMC2335W is especially helpful to users who are on the move because it connects to any wireless access point on any network, whether 802.11a or 802.11b. The versatility of the new SMC2335W lets users optimize network connectivity and provides the ultimate in speed, coverage, security, and flexibility for todays wireless users. Available in October, the EZ Connect 2.4GHz/5GHz Universal Wireless CardBus Adapter (SMC2335W) is a great value, too. List-priced at $139.99, the adapter is backed by SMCs Limited Lifetime Warranty, superior technical support, and outstanding reputation for quality.

Were thrilled to offer the very first dual-standards-compliant CardBus adapter-its a great addition to our large and growing EZ Connect family of wireless connectivity products," said Betty Chan, SMC Networks Product Marketing Manager for wireless networking products. Portability is what notebook and laptop computers are about, so an adapter that facilitates connection to literally any wireless network is the ultimate notebook add-on."

Leveraging the latest in breakthrough technology with the Atheros 802.11a/b combination chipset, the SMC2335W supports bandwidth-intensive applications such as voice, data, video, graphics, and multimedia files without compromising performance. As an 802.11a-compliant network adapter, it operates at a range of up to 1,742 feet and supports data rates of 54 Mbps, doubling its speed to 108Mbps in Turbo Mode. When placed in an 802.11b-compliant network, the SMC2335W adapter adapts automatically, and connects using its standards-compliant 802.11b mode to operate at speeds up to 11 Mbps and at a distance of up to 1,650 feet.

The new SMC2335W optimizes its performance automatically, with an auto-fallback feature that ensures the largest possible wireless operating range in noisy environments, whether in 802.11a or 802.11b mode. Its automatic data rate and channel selection ensures optimal performance and connection to any available 802.11a or 802.11b wireless access point on the network. The 2.4GHz/5GHz Universal Wireless CardBus Adapter keeps connections secure with 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption in 802.11a mode and 64/128-bit WEP encryption in 802.11b mode; and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in both modes. With Plug-n-Play support for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, the SMC2335W 2.4GHz/5GHz Universal Wireless Adapter integrates easily and seamlessly into new and existing wireless networks.

About SMC Networks
SMC takes the work out of networks, with high-performance, easy-to-use connectivity products for businesses and homes. Leveraging its more than 30 years market and technology experience with strong attention to end-user and reseller feedback, SMC Networks has set the standards for quality, reliability, ease-of-use, and affordability in network solutions and components. The company continues to bring to market a host of affordable, high-performance products that benefit from the combination of its strong internal R&D resources, global manufacturing resources and strategic relationships with technology innovators. From basic to leading-edge, SMC Networks portfolio of products provides solutions for small-to-medium sized businesses, corporate workgroups, branch offices, and home and small office environments.

The companys commitment to providing unsurpassed service with a personal touch is backed-up by limited lifetime warranties and 24/7 technical support for all of SMCs products. Headquartered in Irvine, California, U.S.A, SMC Networks supports its worldwide market through regional offices located throughout the United States and 20 other countries. For more information about SMC Networks or its products, visit www.smc.com, or call 800-SMC-4You (800-762-4968).

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SMC Networks Contact:
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949.679.8057