News Release
Intel Advances Intel Centrino Mobile Technology With New Wireless Capabilities, Software Features
New Wi-Fi Module Offers Easier Connections, Improved Security
Auckland, Friday August 27, 2004 – Intel Corporation today announced the addition of key wireless capabilities for
notebooks based on the Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology, including new ease-of-use software, advanced security
features, and support for the three Wi-Fi standards. The new tri-mode wireless module (supporting IEEE standards
802.11a, b and g) and wireless software help make it faster and easier for users to set up and use their wireless
connection with any Wi-Fi network, at the maximum available data rate.
According to analyst firm Pyramid Research, there could be as many as 700 million Wi-Fi users by 2007. However, even as
Wi-Fi becomes increasingly pervasive, the benefits and advantages of wireless computing are still clouded by concerns of
security and complexity. Intel has significantly improved several key areas of wireless computing that help make
connecting to standard Wi-Fi networks around the world simpler and more secure.
“Wi-Fi networks continue to increase rapidly in number, but users still have concerns about how hard it will be to
connect and whether the network is secure,” said Jim Johnson, Intel vice president and general manager of the Wireless
Networking Group. “With this new addition to Intel Centrino mobile technology, Intel is delivering sophisticated
ease-of-use and security features to enable businesses and individual users to enjoy a better mobile computing
experience.”
Software Simplifies User Experience Along with the new Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection, Intel is also
delivering the Intel PROSet/Wireless software version 9.0. The updated software includes a new tool called the Intel
Smart Wireless Solution which is made up of a configuration wizard, advanced troubleshooting and automated security set
up. The new technology detects and shows all available networks and offers advanced profile management so users can more
easily connect to different wireless networks at home, at the office and on the road.
Additionally, Intel has worked with leading vendors to make it even easier to get connected to the internet. Intel has
implemented the most current version of Cisco Compatible Extensions*, Version 3, in Intel PROSet/Wireless Software
version 9.0 which delivers compatibility and interoperability with Cisco infrastructure. Additionally, as a result of an
agreement announced last year between Intel and Linksys*, the two companies have co-developed a solution that allows an
Intel Centrino mobile technology notebook to locate an un-configured Linksys access point and automatically guides users
through a short and simple set-up process.
Advanced Security for Wireless Users To help protect end-users and keep corporate information safe, Intel has included
the latest wireless LAN security solutions in its new wireless offering. For enterprise users, this module supports the
new IEEE 802.11i security standard, which offers the highest level of security currently available. Enterprise users can
also employ a single sign-on feature during login to seamlessly authenticate users on to the wireless network. Advanced
auto-detection and auto-select security capabilities make it easy for any user to employ the highest available security
settings. The technology currently supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WEP security, and is expected to support
WPA2, when available.
The Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection is the latest addition to Intel Centrino mobile technology, which
combines the Intel Pentium® M processor, the Intel 855 chipset family and an Intel PRO/Wireless network connection WLAN
solution. Intel Centrino mobile technology enables integrated wireless LAN connectivity, greater battery life, lighter
weight PC designs and outstanding mobile performance.
Athens Hotspots To continue to demonstrate the benefits of wireless computing and to celebrate the launch of the Intel
PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection, Intel enabled several 802.11a/b/g hotspots in Athens this summer for global
travelers to enjoy. Travelers and service employees are able to send photos, check email, make voice-over-IP phone calls
worldwide and stay connected. Users of the 802.11a/b/g hotspots enjoyed the benefits of a tri-mode solution, including
high-speed bandwidth, less interference and quick connection using Intel PROSet/Wireless software version 9.0.
Pricing and Availability The Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection will be featured in Intel Centrino mobile
technology-based notebook PCs that will be introduced worldwide beginning in September and continuing throughout the
fourth quarter of this year. In 10,000-unit quantities, the Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection is priced at
US$27.
Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications
products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
*Intel and Centrino are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United
States and other countries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
ENDS