3Com refocuses on wireless networks

3Com has revealed its product roadmap for wireless networking, a market it hopes will sustain growth as demand slows down in its other key product sectors such as analogue modems.

The products will fall into three categories: wide area networks (Wans), local area networks (Lans) and private area networks (Pans) - 3Com's term for virtual private networks (VPNs).

Leading the assault will be the summer release of a Palm organiser with wireless connection to the internet, and a wireless Lan for enterprise, known as AirConnect, in autumn. AirConnect will be based on the forthcoming IEEE 802.11 High Rate (HR) standard.

Comprising four products, including access points, notebook PC cards, desktop NICs and network management software, AirConnect will allow users to send and receive data up to 200 feet from any access point within a standard office environment.

Later this quarter, 3Com is also expecting to deliver a wireless system for carriers, while a wireless Lan for home and small office users is scheduled to ship in the winter.

In spring 2000, 3Com plans to deliver its first wireless Pan incorporating the Bluetooth wireless transmission protocol, which will allow mobile computing and telecommunications devices to transmit data using short-range radio technology.

 WHAT'S IN STORE FROM 3COM?
 Date           Product launch
 Spring         3Com Total Control InternetWorking Function
                for carriers
 Summer         Palm VII connected organiser with bundled Palm.Net
                communication services
 Autumn         3Com AirConnect wireless Lan for enterprises Winter
                3Com high-speed wireless Lan for home and
                small office
 Spring 2000    3Com wireless Pan with Bluetooth