Summit's WiFi radio modules target application-specific mobile clients such as portable data terminals, barcode scanners, portable printers, and medical devices. According to Summit, these types of wireless-enabled devices require vendor-independent interoperability between the WLAN radio in each device and WLAN infrastructure such as access points and routers. The two WiFi interoperability certifications most in demand are those of the
Wi-Fi Alliance and Cisco Systems, the company says.
In attaining certification, Summit's radio modules were tested by the Wi-Fi Alliance for support of 802.11b and 802.11g, including "acceptable throughput" on a sample application-specific mobile device, according to the company. WiFi certification also requires demonstrated support for both WiFi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2, the latter being equivalent to the IEEE-ratified 802.11i WLAN security standard. Additionally, because its radio modules are used in business-critical devices, Summit sought the Enterprise level of certification for WPA and WPA2, not the less rigorous Personal level designed for consumer devices, the company adds.
Cisco Compatible Extensions Version 3 offers advanced features that build on the standard IEEE 802.11 feature set, according to Summit. These include:
- AP-assisted roaming and Cisco Complementary Key Management for fast and secure roaming between APs
- Cisco Radio Management and AP-specified client transmit power for better client management
- A subset of the IEEE 802.11e standard for WLAN quality of service that improves the performance and reliability of latency-sensitive applications such as voice and terminal emulation
The 10G modules are offered in three formats:
- CF10G CompactFlash module
- PC10G PCMCIA module
- MCF10G miniature CompactFlash module
All three are currently available in production quantities, according to the company. The CF10G and MCF10G are priced at $89, while the PC10G is $109. Volume discounts are available to "qualified mobile device vendors."
Related stories:
