WIRELESS NETWORK ACCESS FOR INTERNET AND WAN Targeting Portable, Handheld and Palm-sized PCs

NETWORLD+INTEROP, ATLANTA, September 14, 1999---Wireless networking equipment provider, Clarinet Systems, Inc., (San Jose, CA) is unveiling its EthIR WAN(TM) access system designed to link notebook, handheld and palm-sized PCs to the Internet or corporate network, via their built-in infrared (IR) technology, without cards, wires or thirdparty software.

EthIR WAN connects infrared-enabled devices (such as a Palm Pilot) to the Internet or a corporate network where enhanced security is required. These devices are becoming increasingly popular among many organization’s mobile workforce as they often need instant, on-demand and untethered access to email and the Internet while traveling. These people generally can not or do not want to be inconvenienced by cables, wires, cards and costly RF modems.

Business and mobile applications include business centers, hospitality suites, airport lounges, hospitals and healthcare facilities, convention centers, financial services companies, education and long and short-distance delivery services companies.

"EthIR WAN connects portables devices to the high-speed Internet independent of access technologies while at hotels, airports, convention centers and public areas" said Wen Chang, president and CEO of Clarinet Systems.

CLARINET SYSTEMS ETHIR WAN

EthIR WAN leverages existing 10/100BaseT Ethernet wiring to provide users with a dedicated 4Mbps (IrDA) connection via the IR port that exists on virtually every notebook, handheld and palm-size PC, including 3Com Corporation’s Palm Pilot. Network connectivity is via a high-speed service such as xDSL, T1/E1, ISDN or cable modem which is invisible to users.

EthIR WAN consists of three elements, EthIR Switch(r), EthIR Beam(r) and ConnectIR(r).

The EthIR Switch is a high-speed infrared switching hub that provides power to the EthIR Beams and seamlessly connects IR enabled devices to the WAN via its 10/100Base-T uplink port.

EthIR Beam is the IR network access point that sits on the desktop. A dedicated 4Mbps network connection is established automatically and almost immediately when the IR network access point and the IR port are within one meter of each other.

When the portable device connects to the EthIR Beam it becomes part of the network, enabling users to print, send/receive, e-mail, browse the Internet. EthIR Beam extracts power from the EthIR Switch through a single connection. No extra wires or adapters are needed.

Connect IR-is an optional software configuration utility that enables mobile users to easily configure the IR port on a notebook and to connect to the EthIR WAN.

EthIR WAN supports Windows 95/98, CE, Linux and Palm Pilot and Apple portable devices.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

EthIR WAN, including EthIR Switch and EthIR Beams, is $1,879.00 for the eight-port system and $3,399.00 for the 16-port system, and are available now.

Both versions are available in dedicated IR and pass-through IR mode.

Clarinet Systems, Inc., provides wireless network access systems linking portable devices to the Internet, LAN and WAN. All products are sold through an international network of distributors, resellers and system integrators. The company was founded in 1997 and is privately held.