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PCMCIA Wireless Lan



IBM Wireless LAN Entry Product Family
 
Announced on March 14, 1995 
HARDWARE Announcement 195-082
 
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| IN BRIEF . . .                                                    |
|                                                                   |
| Competitive features:                                             |
|                                                                   |
| o  Industry leading; competitively priced                         |
| o  Integrated radio/antenna                                       |
| o  Minimal power consumption                                      |
| o  Ad-hoc peer-to-peer networking                                 |
| o  LAN compatibility:                                             |
|                                                                   |
|    -  NDIS/ODI device drivers                                     |
|    -  Transparent MAC bridge access point supporting roaming      |
|                                                                   |
| A low-cost LAN solution without cabling, plus these key           |
| benefits:                                                         |
|                                                                   |
| o  Complementary Artisoft network operating system with each      |
|    adapter                                                        |
| o  Integrated design for mobile users                             |
| o  Access point for network scalability and user roaming          |
|                                                                   |
| Connectivity choices:                                             |
|                                                                   |
| o  Access to wired LAN -- for example, multiple ThinkPads in      |
|    wireless communication with the 8227 Access Point, enabling a  |
|    wireless cell to attach to an Ethernet LAN                     |
|                                                                   |
| o  Peer-to-peer -- for example, several ThinkPads and a desktop   |
|    computer in wireless communication with each other             |
|                                                                   |
| The Wireless LAN Entry family consists of:                        |
|                                                                   |
| o  Hardware components:                                           |
|                                                                   |
|    -  PCMCIA Type II extended RF adapter (#4285)                  |
|    -  Optional externally-attached antenna                        |
|    -  IBM 8227 Access Point (8227-INT or 8227-PAT)                |
|                                                                   |
| o  Software offerings:                                            |
|                                                                   |
|    -  Access point bridge software                                |
|    -  Installation and diagnostic routines for the adapter and    |
|       the access point                                            |
|    -  Artisoft LANtastic network operating system and related     |
|       documentation                                               |
|                                                                   |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
 
Wireless LAN Entry is a local area network system that provides a
low-cost, reliable connection, without cabling, to Ethernet LANs for
mobile computer users.  The system complements wired LANs by
extending applications to mobile users and provides installation
flexibility and cost savings in difficult cabling situations.  The
Wireless LAN Entry facilitates simple workgroup environments with an
ad-hoc peer-to-peer capability.
 
Included with the Wireless LAN Entry product family is a PCMCIA
Type II adapter with a fully-integrated network interface controller
(NIC) and 2.4GHz radio transceiver.  Also included is the 8227
Wireless LAN Entry access point with transparent MAC bridge program
for direct Ethernet attachment and SNMP management.
 
For mobile users, Wireless LAN Entry simplifies wireless network
planning with automatic roaming between 8227 access points and
extends coverage with an 8227 extended range model.  The 8227
extended range model supports an external gain antenna.  Both models
feature wall and ceiling mounting for extended cell operating sizes.
 
An advanced technology, spread spectrum frequency-hopping radio used
by the Wireless LAN Entry operates in the 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency
band.  The system uses CSMA protocols to provide a robust, low-cost
solution and enhance transparency of the Ethernet environment.
Spread spectrum provides excellent resistance to interference from
other radio frequency (RF) sources and offers secure data
communications.
 
Wireless LAN Entry is bundled with a complementary network operating
system.  When you purchase the adapter, you will receive a single
license of the popular network operating system, LANtastic(1) 6.0.
You may immediately begin setting up a wireless network.  If you
already have an installed network operating environment, the Wireless
LAN Entry may be used on that operating system.
 
Summary of Wireless LAN Entry benefits:
 
o  Artisoft's LANtastic 6.0 single-user license included with each
   adapter
o  Low-cost mobile Ethernet LAN connectivity for existing LAN
   applications
o  NetBios, IPX, and IP protocol support
o  Simplified wireless network planning
o  Wireless transparent MAC bridge with remote program load (RPL) and
   SNMP management
o  Mobile computer support with fully integrated PCMCIA Type II
   extended adapter
o  Automatic roaming for multi-cell coverage
o  New workgroup applications support with peer-to-peer networking
o  Minimal power consumption adapter maximizing battery operating
   time
o  Around-the-clock HelpCenter(R) support (800-426-7299)
 
Purchase Price:  $1,350 (8227-INT); $1,425 (8227-PAT); $445 (#4285)
 
Planned Availability Date:  April 28, 1995
 
(1)   Registered Trademark of Artisoft, Inc.  Artisoft,
      Inc.'s software license agreement active.  Customers not
      wishing to accept the terms of the Artisoft, Inc. software
      license agreement should return the LANtastic 6.0 diskettes to
      either IBM or Artisoft.
(R)   Registered trademark of International Business Machines
      Corporation
 
 
WIRELESS LAN ENTRY
 
The hardcopy version of this letter carries a picture of the 8227 at
this point in the letter.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
If you are considering installing a local area network, the IBM
Wireless LAN Entry may provide the ideal solution.  Starting with the
cost savings realized by not having to install wire or purchase a
network operating system, the advantages are significant.
 
Wireless LAN Entry Family Attributes
 
o  Integrated design for mobile users (low power and PCMCIA form
   factor)
o  Low-cost industry solution
o  Complementary Artisoft network operating system with each adapter
o  Access point allows network scalability and user roaming
o  Directly connect the 8227 access point to existing Ethernet
   environment
o  Industry standard device drivers (NDIS, ODI) supports popular NOSs
o  High-interference immunity against LAN and non-LAN radio sources
o  Connectivity to token-ring (via 8229) and Ethernet wired LANs
o  Compatibility with IEEE 802.3 and Ethernet
o  User data throughput of up to 350Kbps supported
o  Low-cost LAN installation and maintenance
o  Central management of access point software and LAN network access
   security through RPL support and SNMP management
 
Reliability and Asset Protection:  Reliability implies high quality.
The IBM Wireless LAN Entry rarely breaks down or exhibits
inconsistent performance.  The ISO9000 certification ensures that a
high-quality design and development process was used to develop this
product.
 
The access point architecture is key to investment protection in the
wireless LAN product family.  As wireless LAN adapters evolve, the
access point infrastructure may remain constant and allow for adapter
and software upgrades, if necessary.
 
Open Enterprise:  The Wireless LAN Entry conforms to IEEE 802.11
MAC-layer requirements -- preliminary standards released.  Final
802.11 standard is not yet released.
 
PRODUCT POSITIONING
 
IBM has two wireless radio frequency (RF) LAN products for the
personal computer market -- Wireless LAN Entry and Wireless LAN.
 
Wireless LAN Entry is a low-cost wireless adapter.  It has a
cost-optimized design point and is intended for direct connection to
Ethernet LANs.  Wireless LAN Entry may be bridged to a token-ring
environment, for example 8229.  Wireless LAN Entry should be
considered for small to medium wireless workgroups with fewer than 30
users per cell.  Each access point can support up to 16 active users.
There is no limitation to the number of users who may join a
workgroup when communicating in a peer-to-peer (ad-hoc) mode.
Wireless LAN Entry uses the CSMA/CA transmission protocol.
 
Wireless LAN Entry is available in a PCMCIA Type II extended
form-factory only.  Wireless LAN is available in PCMCIA Type II
tethered, ISA, and Micro Channel(R) adapters.
 
Wireless LAN is a fully-featured wireless product.  It features data
compression for high throughput and data encryption for maximum data
protection.  It is ideal for all wireless networks including networks
with more than 30 users.  Wireless LAN uses TDMA transmission
protocol.
 
Because Wireless LAN Entry and Wireless LAN employ frequency-hopping
techniques, these systems can easily co-exist in the same workgroup
proximity.  Wireless LAN Entry and Wireless LAN communicate if
networked together through the same wired LAN environment.
 
PUBLICATIONS
 
The following publications are shipped with the product:
 
                                             Part       Order
Description                                  Number     Number
 
IBM Wireless LAN Entry
  Installation Planning
  Guide (available
  separately)                                38H4951    GA27-4983
 
Adapter User's Guide
 
8227 Installation and
  User's Guide
 
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
 
Specified Operating Environment
 
Physical Specifications
 
IBM Wireless LAN Entry Access Point
 
o  Width:  21.6 cm (8.5 in.)
o  Depth:  27.9 cm (11.0 in.)
o  Height:  7.6 cm (3.0 in.)
o  Weight:  3.0 kg (6.6 lb)
 
IBM Wireless LAN Entry
 
o  Width:  54.0 mm (2.1 in.)
o  Length:  145.3 mm (5.7 in.)
o  Height:  10.7 mm (0.42 in.)
o  Height:  24.2 mm (0.95 in.) of extended portion
o  Weight:  0.059 kg (0.13 lb)
 
PCMCIA Type II Adapter
 
o  Size:
 
   -  PCMCIA type II extended card
 
o  Interface:
 
   -  PCMCIA compatible
 
o  Compatibility:
 
   -  Novell** NetWare** operating systems (ODI Device Driver)
 
   -  Packet Driver for operation with TCP/IP protocols
 
   -  Most standard network operating systems (NDIS Device Driver),
      including IBM OS/2 LAN Server, Microsoft** Workgroup for
      Windows+, Artisoft's LANtasic 6.0, and others
 
o  Radio characteristics:
 
   -  2.400 to 2.483GHz frequencies (U.S., may vary by country)
 
   -  Data throughput rate of up to 350 Kilobits/second
 
   -  Transmit power is equal to or less than 100 milliwatts
 
o  Range:
 
   -  Indoor dense office:  up to 200 feet (61 meters)
 
   -  Indoor open office:  up to 650 feet (198 meters)
 
   -  Open factory/warehouse:  up to 1200 feet (366 meters)
 
   Note: Range may be extended by utilizing an external gain antenna
   and the extended range adapter in the access point.  If an access
   point is centralized, the referenced distances represent a
   diameter of a circle.  Peer-to-peer distances would be half the
   values represented above if an access point is not used.
 
o  Licenses:  Complies with FCC and DOC regulations for license-free
   operation in the 2.4 Gigahertz band
 
Operating Environment:  The Wireless LAN Entry PCMCIA Adapter is FCC
approved to part 15, subsection 247 of the Commission's Rules using
ISM band of 2400-2483.5MHz.  The Wireless LAN Access Point meets FCC
Class A (Business), CSPR22-A, and IOP operating criteria.
 
o  Temperature:  0(degs) to 55(degs)C (32(degs) to 131(degs)F),
   PCMCIA adapter
o  Temperature:  0(degs) to 40(degs)C (32(degs) to 104(degs)F),
   access point, 8227
o  Relative humidity:  5% to 95%
o  Wet bulb:  23(degs)C (73(degs)F)
o  Electrical power:  110/220 V AC (Access Point)
o  Licenses:  Complies with FCC and DOC regulations for license-free
   operation in the 2.4 to 2.4835GHz band
 
Hardware Requirements:  The Wireless LAN Entry is compatible with all
IBM and non-IBM machines with PCMCIA Type II and III slots.  The
machines also require the appropriate Card and Socket Services
Release 2.1 and PCMCIA controller support.
 
The Wireless LAN Entry Adapter uses an advanced technology,
frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum radio operating in the 2.4 to
2.4835GHz band.  The operating band may be narrower in some countries
to meet country regulations.  Spread spectrum provides excellent
resistance to interference from other radio frequency (RF) sources.
Availability of this feature in any particular country is dependent
on current country radio frequency regulations and certification for
use by the country.
 
Operation in the United States does not require a license from the
FCC.
 
The Wireless LAN Entry Adapter comes with an integrated antenna.  The
area of coverage may be extended beyond the coverage provided by the
antenna attached to the adapter by adding Wireless LAN Entry Access
Point to the network via an unshielded twisted-pair wired backbone.
Each adapter or access point generates one cell of coverage area.
Networks are designed to create overlapping cells to ensure
consistent coverage of the area desired.  The Wireless LAN Entry
allows transparent seamless movement from cell-to-cell while
maintaining a continuous application session.
 
Software Requirements
 
OS/2 2.1, or later (one of the following)
 
o  Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) 1.2.1, or
   later
 
o  Communications Manager/2 Version 1.1, or later
 
o  LAN Server Versions 3.0 and 4.0 OS/2 LAN Requester
 
Note: IBM LAN Adapter and Protocol Support (LAPS) is required.  LAPS
comes with a number of network applications.  It is also a part of
IBM Network Transport Services (NTS/2) and of the Multiprotocol
Transport Support (MPTS) feature of the IBM AnyNet/2 product.
 
Novell NetWare Versions 2.1 (client) and 4.0 (client) OS/2 device
drivers are scheduled to be available June 30, 1995.
 
IBM or MS-DOS 5.0, or later (one of the following)
 
o  Artisoft LANtastic Version 6.0
o  Novell NetWare Versions 3.11, or later (client)
o  Novell Personal NetWare
o  LAN Server 3.0 DOS LAN Requester
o  LAN Server 4.0 DOS LAN Services
o  IBM PC LAN Program PCLP Version 1.34  (client)
o  IBM LAN Support Program Version 1.38, or later
o  IBM Personal Communications/3270 Version 3.1, or later
o  IBM TCP/IP for DOS Version 2.1.1
o  Microsoft Windows for WorkGroup 3.11
o  Microsoft Windows 3.1
 
Note: IBM DOS 6.1 supports Card and Socket Services Release 2.1.
 
RPL Support
 
Servers supporting RPL include:
 
o  Novell NetWare Versions 3.11, or later
o  IBM OS/2 LAN Server Version 3, or later
 
Adapter Driver Support:  The Wireless LAN Entry provides drivers for
the most popular LAN network operating systems, applications, and
transport services.  The drivers are provided on two 2MB diskettes.
 
OS/2 Adapter Drivers (Card Services Release 2)
 
o  Card Services aware Network Device Interface Specification (NDIS)
   2.01 Device Driver
o  Card Services aware ODI Device Driver
 
DOS Adapter Drivers (Card and Socket Services Release 2 and Socket
Services)
 
o  Enabler for machines that do not support Card and/or Socket
   Services
o  NDIS 2.01 Device Driver
o  ODI Device Driver
 
Planning Information
 
Cable Orders:  A customer location should have a connection to an
Ethernet LAN, and line voltage available to each location where an
access point is to be installed.
 
Packaging:  One box
 
Shipment Group
 
8227 Model INT
 
o  Wireless LAN Access Point
o  One Wireless LAN Entry PCMCIA adapter
o  Installation Guide
o  User's Guide (includes warranty document)
o  Two diskettes containing device drivers, driver enablers, adapter
   diagnostics, and bridge software
o  Mounting and adapter security brackets
o  Power cord
 
8227 Model PAT
 
o  Wireless LAN Access Point
o  One Wireless LAN Entry PCMCIA XR adapter
o  One Hemispherical Gain Antenna
o  Installation Guide
o  User's Guide (includes warranty document)
o  Two diskettes containing device drivers, driver enablers, adapter
   diagnostics, and bridge software
o  Mounting and adapter security brackets
o  Power cord
 
IBM Wireless LAN Entry Credit Card Adapter
 
o  One Wireless LAN Entry PCMCIA adapter
o  One User's Guide (includes warranty document)
o  Two diskettes containing device drivers, driver enablers, adapter
   diagnostics, and ring diagnostics
o  Artisoft LANtastic 6.0 Network Operating System
 
Accessories and/or Supplies:  Accessory, spare, or replacement items
can be ordered from cabling dealers and distributors that carry
products from IBM Complementary Products.  Call IBM Direct at
800-IBM-CALL (426-2255).
 
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
 
This product is available for purchase under the terms of the IBM
Customer Agreement (ICA).
 
Warranty Period:
 
o  Adapter:  Three years
o  8227 Access Point:  One year
 
Warranty Service:  Customer Carry-In Exchange (CCE)
 
Alternative Service:  IBM On-Site Exchange (IOR)
 
Maintenance Service:  IOR
 
IBM Hourly Service Rate Classification:  One
 
IBM Warranty Service, Maintenance Service or IBM Hourly Service can
be obtained by calling 800-IBM-SERV (426-7378).  IBM Hourly Service
is available at the applicable rate and terms, including element
exchange price if applicable.
 
Product Availability Status:  New product available
 
Field Installable Features:  No
 
Model Conversions:  No
 
Customer Setup:  Yes
 
Licensed Internal Code:  Yes
 
National Education Price (NEP):  A NEP is available under the terms
and conditions of the National Education Price List.
 
CHARGES
 
               Machine         Feature   Part               Purchase
Description    Type/Model      Number    Number             Price
 
Access Point   8227-INT                  25H4211          $ 1,350
Access Point   8227-PAT                  13H5895            1,425
Adapter        8550-ZZZ        4285      92G7787              445
Adapter
  (5-user)     8550-ZZZ        4286      38H5089            2,160
Adapter
  (30-user)    8550-ZZZ        4287      38H5090           12,960
 
Note: 30-user pack includes six 5-user's licenses for Artisoft
LANtastic
 
Alternative and Maintenance Service Charges
 
Part                Machine
Number              Type/Model          IOR
 
25H4211             8227-INT          $170
13H5895             8227-PAT           185
 
**    Company, product, or service name may be a trademark or service
      mark of others.
+     Trademark of Microsoft Corporation