New Features for IBM Wireless LAN March 14, 1995 Announcement Number: 195-080 Document's Table of Contents: * Abstract * DESCRIPTION * PUBLICATIONS * TECHNICAL INFORMATION * TERMS AND CONDITIONS Abstract +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ | IN BRIEF . . . | | | | o Links LAN workstations via radio signals instead of cables, | | giving your system mobility and flexibility | | | | o Transmits at 1 Mbps | | | | o Provides high interference immunity against LAN and non-LAN | | radio sources | | | | o Provides access control and data security | | | | o Works with token-ring and Ethernet LANs | | | | o Supports NetBIOS, 802.2, TCP/IP, and IPX protocols | | | | o Maintains compatibility with IBM LAN Server, Novell | | NetWare**, Microsoft LAN Manager, and Windows NT | | | | o Operates with DOS, OS/2, or Windows client stations | | | | Wireless LAN Custom Cable Kit: | | | | o Allows you to install the radio antenna remote from the radio | | base station, optimizing the radio coverage of buildings | | | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+ The IBM Wireless LAN, which allows you to link LAN workstations via radio signals instead of cables, is expanded with new networking capabilities. Between the announcement of the Wireless LAN on June 14, 1994, and its availability in November 1994, enhancements were made to the product to make it compatible with several software products. You can now install the Wireless LAN Adapter with OS/2(R) Warp Version 3. The Wireless LAN Adapter can also coexist with the IBM LAN Server Version 3.0. Wireless stations can be linked via the wired LAN to an IBM LAN Server Version 4.0 and to a Microsoft** LAN Manager or Windows + NT** server. Additionally, a custom cable kit allows you to install the radio antenna remote from the radio base station, optimizing the radio coverage of buildings. The Wireless LAN complements wired LANs, providing installation flexibility, user mobility, and cost savings in difficult cabling situations. The Wireless LAN is made of adapters installed within personal systems, either with an ISA or MCA bus or with PCMCIA feature slots. It operates in IBM, Novell**, and Microsoft LAN environments and provides connectivity with token-ring and Ethernet LANs. It includes SNMP-based network management support and comprehensive security functions. The Wireless LAN is designed around advanced radio technology and protocols using spread spectrum, frequency hopping, and time division multiplexing, bringing robust interference protection and allowing multiple wireless network coexistence. It operates in the 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency band. The Wireless LAN has been certified in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and has been approved for use in major countries. It has been available since November 1994. For detailed information on the Wireless LAN, refer to Hardware Announcement 194-197, dated June 14, 1994. Purchase Price Wireless LAN Custom Cable Kit $495 Planned Availability Date: June 30, 1995 (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation ** Company, product, or service name may be a trademark or service mark of others. + Trademark of Microsoft Corporation DESCRIPTION The announced system functions are included in all Wireless LAN Adapters shipped since November 30, 1994. The Wireless LAN Custom Cable Kit allows you to build a cable at any length up to 170 meters (550 feet). The kit includes two end-connectors and instructions on how to assemble the cable with customer-provided cable bulk. The connectors contain active circuits that allow data signals and power to be carried over the cable to the radio antenna module. No external power is required. The required cable bulk is a four-twisted-pair shielded cable (100 Ohms, Category 5, EIA/TIA 568 TSB36, ISO/IEC 11801). It is recommended that the cable be assembled by a cabling specialist; it should not be installed between buildings. The Wireless LAN complies with draft standard ETSI 300-328 issued in December 1994. PRODUCT POSITIONING The Wireless LAN system is a general purpose LAN adapter that supports a wide range of networking configurations in client/server and host-based environments. Its flexibility allows you to implement nearly any customer application that requires movable or portable stations within and around buildings. It fits in most types of stations, from large servers to small hand-held devices, and connects to both token-ring and Ethernet LANs. It can be integrated in SNMP-based network management systems and includes powerful security functions. The Wireless LAN uses state-of-the-art radio technology based on frequency hopping, which brings better interference immunity than direct sequence and more efficient and flexible radio coverage. Other IBM Offerings * The Wireless LAN Entry is an attractively priced system with PCMCIA adapters. * The AS/400(R) Wireless LAN is designed to connect personal computers and dedicated data collection devices to an AS/400 system. It uses direct sequence radio technology. * The IBM Infrared Wireless LAN Adapter provides connectivity between personal systems. It uses infrared light for transmission at distances up to 6 meters (20 feet). Statement of General Direction: It is IBM's intent to permit the coexistence of a Wireless LAN Adapter and an IBM LAN Server Version 4 in a system. This statement of intent represents IBM's current intent and is subject to change or withdrawal based on IBM's technical and business judgment. PUBLICATIONS The IBM Wireless LAN Installing and Operating Your Network publication (#SA33-0232, 54G2072) is shipped with the product. The following publications are available. To order, contact your IBM representative. Order Title Number Wireless Communications G325-3400 IBM Wireless LAN Product brochure G325-3401 IBM Wireless LAN Designing Your Network GA33-0189 The System Library Subscription Service (SLSS) is not available. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Specified Operating Environment This product uses only existing attachment interfaces. Operating Environment: The Wireless LAN meets FCC Class B operating criteria. * Temperature: 10(degs)C to 40(degs)C (50(degs)F to 104(degs)F) * Relative Humidity: 8% to 80% without condensing * Wet bulb temperature: 27(degs)C (80(degs)F) Hardware and Software Requirements: Refer to Hardware Announcement 194-197, dated June 14, 1994. Planning Information Customer Responsibilities: The customer is responsible for planning the wireless network by taking into account the fact that radio propagation has limits determined by obstacles, such as walls and floors. The Designing Your Network publication provides guidance for preparing the wireless network layout. Cable Orders: Each Wireless LAN product includes a short cable attaching the radio antenna to the adapter card. An extended antenna cable, 4 meters (13 feet) long, is available as an optional feature (#8016, 54G2016). The new antenna cable kit allows the customer to build a cable up to 170 meters (550 feet); this kit is an optional feature number (#8017, 80G4320). Packaging: One box Shipment Group * Adapter card connector * Antenna connector * Cable bulk specifications * Assembly instructions Security, Auditability, and Control User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communications facilities. TERMS AND CONDITIONS MES Discount Applicable: The feature discount will be equal to the discount percent associated with the current volume commitment of the category of the machine type on which it is installed. Field-Installable Feature: Yes Warranty Period: Three years Customer Setup: Yes All other terms and conditions are the same as those applicable to the IBM machine type in which the feature is installed. CHARGES -- FEATURES Machine Type 8550, Model ZZZ Feature Part Field Plant Purchase Description Number Number Install Install Price Custom Cable Kit 8017 80G4320 Y N $495 National Education Price (NEP): A National Education Price is available under the terms and conditions of the National Education Price List. The NEP price, which represents 17.4% discount from the single unit purchase price, is not subject to any further discount or allowance. The features in this announcement are included in the National Education Price List.