Intel-Cisco to strengthen WiFi

NEW DELHI: Intel Corporation and Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., have established a technology and marketing program to improve the experience of setting up and operating wireless networks in homes and small offices.

The program includes joint engineering and co-marketing work. Initially, Intel is conducting engineering testing or "verification" of Intel Centrino mobile technology with Linksys wireless access points and routers that are currently available. This process tests compatibility between these devices, further enhancing the end user's Intel Centrino mobile technology wireless experience. The verified Linksys products will be identified with a label reading "Verified with Intel Centrino Mobile Technology" on the

packaging to help inform consumers that the Intel and Linksys products have been tested to work together. The verification effort is under way, and verified Linksys products will be available starting this month at retail locations in the United States, Canada and other countries.

Intel and Linksys have also committed to work on new ways to maximize wireless performance and enhance wireless connectivity as part of the program. This includes plans to develop technology that will allow notebook PCs based on Intel Centrino mobile technology to detect the presence of Linksys wireless products and configure them with minimal effort by the end user. Today, notebook PCs are manually configured to interact with a wireless network. Work is under way to enable Intel and Linksys products

with the advanced configuration technology in 2004.

(CNS)