Intel splits allegiance to protocols

Chipmaker backs Wi-Fi and 802.11a wireless standards

Intel unveiled its wireless computer networking strategy last week, and admitted that it will develop products for two different industry standards.

The company said it is a key backer of the largest wireless networking standard, known as Wi-Fi or 802.11b, but that it does not plan to support it exclusively. In November, Intel will begin selling a line of products supporting a much faster networking system called 802.11a.

The 802.11a standard can transfer data at 54Mbps, while Wi-Fi has a maximum speed of 11Mbps. Intel joins vendors such as Proxim that have already announced plans to ship 802.11a products by the end of the year.

"Intel's 802.11a products will deliver more 'bits per buck' by enabling up to five times more bandwidth while working alongside existing 802.11b networks without interference," Greg Lang, Intel vice president for network communications, said in a statement.

Intel also said that it has taken on a larger role within the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance, the Wi-Fi trade group, becoming a member of the board of directors. The alliance was formed in 1999 with the support of Intel, Cisco and Nokia.

The chipmaker's endorsement of both Wi-Fi and 802.11a are just the latest example of its shifting allegiances. Earlier this year it dropped interest in HomeRF, a wireless standard aimed at the consumer market.

The Bluetooth wireless standard is also gaining momentum. However, it is the sheer number of different standards that has hurt wireless technology uptake to date, and questions have been raised about security.

Despite this, a prevailing standard is expected to emerge as take-up increases over the next 18 months.