Fact Sheet

3Com Wireless Networking Product Overview

3Com solutions help people gain simple and convenient access to information and network applications at work, home, and beyond, even in places where there’s nowhere to ‘plug in’.  

As the industry leader in desktop and mobile connectivity, 3Com is focused on delivering “Universal Connectivity” – a concept which drives product design for a not-so-distant future where 3Com products will automatically detect your available access options, select the best one, get you the best possible connection and protect your equipment and data while connected, regardless of the type of device you are using, or where you might be.  The result is universal connection to the vast resources of office networks or even the Internet – without you having to get involved in any of the complex steps involved. 

3Com’s commitment to wireless networking and its strategy in the wireless industry is to fully enable a radically simple experience for people so they can have access to their network without having to worry about the what, how, where, when or why.

Support for Bluetooth™,  Wi-Fi™ (802.11b) and 802.11a Wireless Networking

3Com is one of the only companies developing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless products, as well as supporting future use of the higher-speed 802.11a. As such, 3Com recognizes the complementary nature of these technologies, objectively playing to the advantages of each, and enabling them to coexist.  

•	Bluetooth is designed for quick bursts of low-bandwidth (up to 1 Mbps) information in a cable replacement scenario within a PAN (personal area network). Bluetooth’s purpose and design allows small computing equipment such as notebooks, cell phones and handhelds to complete small data transfers using a less expensive, smaller footprint device and significantly lower power consumption.  By 2005, 670 million devices will be equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology (Cahners In-stat Group, 2000).

•	Wi-Fi (802.11b) by contrast is normally used to extend or replace conventional wired LANs (local area networks), and is the ideal wireless LAN technology for transferring high-bandwidth files (up to 11Mbps) or for always-on Internet and office network connectivity. This type of wireless LAN can handle up to 65 users on any one access point, and works within a radius of 100 meters (330 feet). In Asia, the market for 802.11b is estimated to reach almost US$883 million by 2007, or almost 30% CAGR over 2000 in terms of revenue and almost 40% in unit terms (Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific, 2001).

•	Even faster transmission speeds – up to 54 Mbps -- are possible with 802.11a. This standard is yet to be ratified globally, its range is about 50 meters -- roughly half of that of an 802.11b network, and its price is high – which are all factors limiting commercial applications within the near term. However, some industry experts believe the very high speed this new standard offers makes it a potential alternative to the much slower 3G technology, especially in defined “hotpots” in such public areas as airports, commercial districts, etc. 3Com supports 802.11a, and will introduce products based on this standard once it has been ratified.

3Com Wireless Solutions available in Asia-Pacific include:

Wi-Fi (802.11b) Standard

3Com AirConnect Solution

Using the 802.11b standard, the 3Com AirConnect 11 Mbps wireless LAN solution provides larger organizations with simple, reliable, manageable network access when and where they need it.  It frees mobile workers and helps boosts productivity across the organization.  The solution consists of two key components:

The 3Com AirConnect 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point acts as a bridge between the wired Ethernet backbone and its wireless “clients” (PCs, laptops, printers, etc). Generally attached to a ceiling or wall, the access point works with wireless LAN PC Cards for notebook users (and PCI cards for desktop users) to provide seamless network access wherever users are. Each access point sends and receives data from up to 63 simultaneous users at speeds up to 11 Mbps within a radius of 100 meters (328 feet). This access point features built-in diagnostics and power-up self-check, upgradeable firmware, antenna diversity, and support for Telnet, TFTP, and SNMP.  For details and photo of the 3Com AirConnect 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point: 
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CRWE74796B

In conjunction with this or any Wi-Fi certified access point, the 3Com 11Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card gives the mobile workforce seamless connectivity to the network throughout the entire company. Without having to string cables or make physical connections, users can set-up impromptu meetings in conference rooms, get instant network access while visiting branch offices, or travel between floors, offices or buildings within the company complex – without breaking network connections.  For further product details and photo of the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CRWE73796B

3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN solution		ccNEW

Tailored for growing businesses, the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN solution provides “big company” security and performance features while greatly simplifying the user experience.  

The 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Access Point 6000 breaks new ground in Wireless LAN simplicity and affordability.  When deployed with the 3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card with XJACK® antenna, this complete Wi-Fi certified solution offers uniquely simple deployment, management, and security capabilities.  For details and photo of the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN Access Point 6000:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CRWE60092A

ccNEW   The Card features the innovative XJACK Antenna, which tucks away when not in use. This card is designed to do away with accidentally broken or damaged PC Card antennas.  The solution also delivers a 60-second access point setup capability, where power, radio channel, network configuration and security are all automatically handled; and new Dynamic Session Link security, which is simple for the user yet more robust than previous security approaches. For details and photo of the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN PC Card with XJACK® antenna:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CRWE62092A

3Com 11 Mbps Wireless LAN Building-to-Building Bridge	ccNEW

This bridge allows the extension of your network to any workgroup – even those that situated in a separate nearby building -- without having to lease dedicated lines or lay cables.  It delivers reliable, high-performance connections between hard-to-wire sites including cross-campus buildings, and portable or temporary classrooms.  Simply connect the bridge to an antenna, and you’re ready to send network transmissions wirelessly.  If network requirements or locations change, simply relocate bridges.

For details and photo of the 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN Building-to-Building Bridge:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CRWE90096A

3Com Home Wireless Gateway

For simple access from anywhere in the home or home office, the 3Com Home Wireless gateway is the answer. Providing simple, reliable broadband Internet access, this product works with any 3Com 11 Mbps WLAN PC card (or PCI card for desktop computers) to form a complete wireless solution that can be installed in minutes using any standard Web browser. You’ll then be able to share personal files, printers and other devices either wirelessly or over Ethernet cables, without a hub. For details and photo, please refer to:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?pathtype=purchase&tab=features&sku=3CRWE50194

Bluetooth Technology

3Com Wireless Bluetooth Solutions

The 3Com Wireless Bluetooth product family allows spontaneous wireless connections between PCs, handhelds, mobile phones, and many other devices, as well as “light” access to network resources.  Leveraging the Bluetooth standard supported by more than 2,000 companies, 3Com Wireless Bluetooth products offer an unique combination of flexibility and security, and are easy to set up and use.

3Com Wireless Bluetooth PC Card

The 3Com Wireless Bluetooth PC Card provides reliable, easy-to-use wireless connectivity between Bluetooth devices such as notebooks, handhelds, and mobile phones.  With a wireless range of 10 metres (33 feet), the PC Card is ideal for convenient Personal Area Network connectivity.  Its innovative XJACK antenna retracts into the card for safe transport.  Bluetooth Connection Manager software allows auto discovery of devices, resources, and services, providing an easy way to detect and manage Bluetooth personal area networking.

For further product details and photo of the 3Com Wireless Bluetooth PC Card:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CRWB6096

3Com Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter		ccNEW

The 3Com Wireless Bluetooth USB adapter delivers wireless connectivity for notebook and desktop PCs, enabling communication between Bluetooth-enabled devices.  The adapter uses the industry-standard USB connecting plug, facilitating fast, simple wireless networking with a wide range of devices .  

Both the Bluetooth PC Card and USB Adapter are fully software- and firmware-upgradeable to ensure complete compliance with Bluetooth standards as they continue to be defined.

For further product details and photo of the 3Com Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CREB96

At a Glance: Comparing Bluetooth and 802.11

	Bluetooth	802.11b	802.11a	
Raw data rates	up to 1Mbps	up to 11Mbps	up to 54Mbps	
Range	up to 10 m	up to 100 m	up to 50 m	
Bandwidth	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz	5GHz	
Modulation	FHSS	DSSS	OFDM	
Encryption	Built-in 128-bit	WEP 40-bit/128-bit	WEP 40-bit/128-bit	
Simultaneous users	7 devices	63 optimum	(to be determined)	

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3Com and XJACK are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibilities Alliance. The Bluetooth trademark is owned by its proprietor and used by 3Com Corporation under license