U.S. Robotics enhances wireless networking products portfolio with 2.4 GHz accessories

The new antennas, which will be showcased at GITEX 2004, to be held from October 3 to 7, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will significantly improve the range and coverage of Wireless Networks.

"Wireless connectivity is fast becoming the networking medium of choice in many spheres of daily life in the Middle East—in the home, small- to medium sized business as well as the commercial Hotspots that offer highly valuable connectivity options. , As such, wireless networks have exited the phase where its novelty factor attracted technologically savvy end-users. In the current phase, wireless connectivity must meet high standards of speed, reliability and connectivity," states Yusuf Syed, Regional Manager Middle East, U.S. Robotics.

The new range of antennas will meet the requirements of end-users and wireless network owners seeking to eliminate problems such as dead spots (areas which, although within the network range, have feeble or no connectivity) in the existing range, thus improving coverage. U.S. Robotics' 4dBi Desktop Antenna (Model USR5480), the 9dBi Directional Panel Antenna (Model USR5482), and 5dBi Swivel Antenna (Model USR5481) significantly improves the range of existing and future networks. The antennas also do not require to be configured and function independent of the networks operating system, making it extremely simple for the user to install. All the three antenna models support 802.11b, 802.11b+, 802.11g and 802.11g+ standards.

While all the three antenna models will extend range and enhance coverage of wireless networks, the USR5480 connects to 802.11b/802.11g wireless PCI cards and the USR5481 connects to wireless routers, access points and desktop adapters. Besides improving network functionality within a building with large coverage areas and wireless hotspots, the USR5482 is also suitable for outdoor applications and where a direct path is required for better pattern coverage.

"The launch of the 2.4 GHz Wireless Accessories is in line with U.S. Robotics' mission to revolutionise wireless networking in the Middle East. The year 2004 has been important for the company's wireless networking portfolio, with an extensive range of state of the art technologies being added to it," explains Syed. "Every aspect of wireless networking has been enhanced, whether it is speed (which has been enhanced to125 Mbps), or connectivity (USR9106, the Etisalat approved SureConnect ADSL Gateway), and now the new range of antennas that improve coverage and range of wireless networks."