Clarinet Systems Press Release 1

	Mobile Device Help \| Registration \| RMA \| Tech FAQs
	Discontinued Products

Overview | Hardware | Software | Accessories

Overview | Applications | Customers | Testimonials | Applications

Clarinet Systems is the leading global provider of infrared wireless network connectivity for handheld PC devices and cell phone

Network Connectivity for Mobile Devices

Clarinet Systems, Inc. welcomes you to check out our products for Wireless Connectivity for Mobile Devices

WIRELESS LAN (WLAN) FROM CLARINET SYSTEMS PROVIDES DEDICATED
HIGH-SPEED NETWORK ACCESS FOR PORTABLE PCs

Cost-effective And Seamless Integration Of Portable PCs Into
Existing Enterprise Without The Need For PCMCIA Cards Or RF Modems
Calibre, Inc., Using EthIRLAN In Shared Office Environment

SAN JOSE, CA, March 2,1999---Taking advantage of the trend toward mobility and increasing corporate use of notebook and handheld PCs, Clarinet Systems, Inc., is now offering a wireless LAN (WLAN) for connecting portable computers to the corporate enterprise network.

EthIR LANÒ , based on the IrDA standard and targeted at any mobile computer user who requires network access, provides each user with a dedicated 4Mbps connection.

EthIR LAN consists of the EthIR Switc(TM) , an IR and 10/100Base-T switch and EthIR Beam(R), a desktop infrared, LAN access point. Using technology incorporated into an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed by Clarinet, the EthIR Switch automatically detects and handles IR and hardwired 10/100Base-T inputs and provides power to the EthIR Beam over the existing wired infrastructure. This enables seamless integration of handheld and notebook PCs into existing LANs which are transformed from "wired" to "dynamically mobile" in minutes.

Clarinet's EthIRLAN has numerous advantages especially when compared with PCMCIA LAN cards and RF modems. While PCMCIA LAN cards provide 10Mbps connections, they are not as convenient for mobile users due to the necessary and associated cables and wiring. Modems using RF technology provide only a shared 2Mbps connection and raise concerns regarding security. Since virtually all portable PCs have an IR port, no wiring infrastructure changes are required, significantly reducing installation costs.

Battery life, key to any portable device, is also extended since IR technology uses very little power, a claim that PCMCIA LAN cards and RF modems can not make.

Pricing is also very attractive, especially in the shared-office environment. The cost of providing network access using EthIRLAN is approximately $199 per port. This compares to approximately $120 using a PCMCIA LAN card and $550 for an RF-based product. However, as the number of users increases, the total cost of these alternative products also increases as nodes and cards must be added.

Whereas with EthIRLAN, the cost remains constant.

For example, for a five-person, shared system, pricing for EthIRLAN remains at approximately $199. A PCMCIA card-based system costs approximately $480 (five LAN cards at $90 each, $30 per hub port). An RF-based system costs approximately $2,350 (five RF cards at $450 each, $100 per access station).

"If you already have a LAN card, we want you to think wireless before buying your next one. If you don't have a LAN card, we want you to think wireless before buying your first one," said Wen Chang, president and founder of Clarinet Systems. "And when you think wireless, think IR."

Calibre, Inc., San Jose, Calif., (www.calibre-inc.com), a developer of IR and RF subsystems for use in consumer portable electronics, is currently using EthIRLAN to connect their notebook users to their office LAN and the Internet.

"This wireless connectivity allows our users to easily move their notebooks among their offices and to the conference room without the need to connect wires and reboot," said Dr. John Goldsberry, CFO of Calibre.

Clarinet's EthIRLAN also offers advantages over other IR network access products. EthIRLAN supports Windows CE palm and handheld devices, Windows 95/98/NT notebooks and Apple Computer PowerBooks. Other IR LANs support notebook PCs only.

Distribution is through integrators and VARs. Retail channels are under discussion. The company is also pursuing licensing agreements with OEMs.

Clarinet Systems EthIRLAN is available now in two versions, "dedicated IR mode" and "pass through mode". Both are available in 8- and 16-port configurations.

Pricing for an 8-port system is $1,700 and $3,200 for a 16-port system.

Clarinet Systems, Inc. was founded in 1997 to develop and market wireless networking products for all portable computers. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and is privately held.