Pushing Into Wireless LAN
PRO/Wireless 2100 supports wireless LAN security including 802.1x, WEP and VPN (virtual private network) technologies, and will be software upgradeable to support WPA. Intel has worked with Cisco Systems to support Ciscos LEAP wireless protocol and will be software upgradeable to Cisco Compatible Extensions.
The processor is manufactured using Intels industry-leading 0.13micron process technology and consists of 77mn transistors. It also includes a 400MHz power optimised system bus, a 1MByte low-power L2 cache (which turns off parts of the high-speed memory when its not needed), and technology to reduce overall platform power consumption.
In addition to wireless communications, Centrino includes features designed to enable extended battery life and thinner and lighter notebook designs with support for Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology with multiple voltage and frequency operating points, and Streaming SIMD Extensions II. SIMD stands for Single Instruction-Stream, Multiple Data-Stream.
Centrino mobile technology-based notebook PCs are available immediately with system prices starting at $1399. A magenta brand logo accompanies the launch.
With wireless networking, Intel will find itself in a market with some strong competitors such as Broadcom, Intersil and SiGe Semiconductor.
