December 19, 2001
Intersil (Nasdaq:ISIL), the world's leading developer of silicon technology for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), today announced that IBM(R) (NYSE:IBM) is utilizing Intersil's PRISM(R) 2.5 WLAN chip set to deliver embedded Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless connectivity in its new NetVista(R) PCs.
Intersil's work with IBM on a new low profile High Rate PCI adapter card for NetVista PCs advances the deployment of Wi-Fi technology in homes, offices and public spaces. Intersil's PRISM technology is also incorporated into IBM's T23 ThinkPad notebooks along with a new High Rate WLAN Gateway that delivers 11 megabit-per-second (Mbps) wireless home networking from a single broadband cable or DSL connection.
The IBM Wi-Fi (802.11b) PCI Wireless Adapter with low profile capability offers a solution for NetVista customers who require wireless LAN capability in a desktop PC environment. The low profile PCI adapter card enables the system to be added wirelessly to an existing LAN when used with a compatible wireless access point or residential gateway device. This high-speed, secure (128-bit encrypted) product allows NetVista customers to easily deploy new network infrastructures without the need to route wired LAN cables for network connectivity. For additional security, the adapter supports 802.1x authentication control.
"The significant board space reduction achieved by our PRISM 2.5 chip set enabled IBM to incorporate Wi-Fi networking capability into a very sleek, low profile form factor," said Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager of Intersil's Wireless Networking Business. "We've already seen the move to embedded WLAN in notebooks and this new platform from IBM will allow desktops to have the same embedded wireless connectivity."
To achieve the PCI card's sleek form factor, IBM turned to Intersil and its PRISM 2.5 WLAN chip set, the world's most highly integrated, complete solution for designing in embedded Wi-Fi connectivity in PCs and notebook computers. The PRISM 2.5 solution features the world's first single-chip Baseband Processor (BBP) and Medium Access Controller (MAC) that integrates digital functions normally done by two ICs. The integrated BBP/MAC includes a PCMCIA and USB interface that will allow OEMs to easily add a USB interface into next-generation Wi-Fi wireless networking products for the home and office. A BBP/MAC with Mini-PCI interface for manufacturing electronic devices requiring embedded applications is also available.
The Global Wireless Market Embraces PRISM WLAN Technology
"Intersil is the number one manufacturer of wireless LAN chipsets and has been a driving force behind the success of WLANs," said a May 2001 WLAN report from Cahners In-Stat Group. Since introducing the PRISM WLAN chip set in 1996, industry-leading companies including Actiontec, Alcatel, ASUS, Casio, Cisco, Compaq, 3Com, Dell, D-Link, GemTek, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Legend, Linksys, Nokia, Nortel, Panasonic, Quanta, Samsung, Sharp, Siemens, SOHOware, Sony, SpectraLink, Symbol, Z-Com and Zoom have incorporated PRISM chips in WLAN product designs. PRISM technology is designed to comply with the IEEE's 802.11 global standard, and Intersil is a founding sponsor of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), whose Wi-Fi brand is a mark of compatibility for 802.11-based systems.
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