U.S. Robotics unveils 'Instant' wireless networking for the home and small business

Available now for gift purchasing in the festive season, U.S. Robotics' new Wireless Network Starter Kit comes with an 802.11g wireless USB adapter and an 802.11g wireless router. The kit's convenient, all-in-one product packaging provides users with everything they need for an instant wireless network and installs in only three easy steps.

The USB adapter is lightweight and has the look and feel of a memory stick. The device can be plugged into any available USB (2.0 or 1.1) port of a desktop or notebook computer to make a direct wireless connection to the wireless router. The USB's wireless power control means that it uses minimum transmit power preserving the life of a laptop battery.

'Setting up a wireless network using our new wireless network starter kit could not be easier - just plug and play. Just like a memory stick, the USB adaptor simply plugs into any USB (2.0 or 1.1) port eliminating the need to open the case of a desktop computer or use any tools - saving users a great deal of hassle and enabling the creation of an instant wireless network connection to the starter kit's wireless router. Users can then share secure internet access, files and peripherals such as printers with other computers on the network.' says Tony Field, Product Manager EMEA, U.S. Robotics.

The new Wireless Network Starter Kit (USR 5470) combines the U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Router; U.S. Robotics 802.11g USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter; one Ethernet cable; quick installation guide; a power supply cable; and a CD with full user manual in one, easy-to-use package. The USB format is completely compatible with both laptop and desktop PCs. It allows a desktop or notebook computer to make a wireless connection to the wireless router, delivering highest performance with a USB 2.0 interfaces but also compatible with USB 1.1 interfaces. The USB's wireless power control means that it uses minimum transmit power preserving the life of a laptop battery. The device is also compatible with all Wi-Fi (54 Mbps 802.11g and 11 Mbps 802.11b) wireless devices.

The kit comes equipped with an integrated 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch to support wired devices, such as printers.

For users concerned with security of data transmitted over their network, the USR 5470 provides the highest level of secure networking. It provides a built-in firewall that protects against hackers. The device also supports Web Site blocking; MAC Address Authentication; 64/128-bit WEP encryption; and WPA.

'The Wireless Networking marketing is growing rapidly in the Middle East. Market feedback has convinced us that the end-user is asking for network installation to be a simple and rapid process, and this without compromising on the reliability of the network. At the same time security of the network is an important concern. The USR 5470 responds perfectly to both these needs. Once again, U.S. Robotics has delivered on its promise of designing products in response to market needs,' states Yusuf Syed, Regional Manager Middle East, U.S. Robotics.

The U.S. Robotics Wireless Network Starter Kit is now available, amongst others from Advanced Business Computers; Quality Computers; Plugins Electronix; CompuME; and Jarrir Bookstore.