Asante Makes Wireless Friendly

By Michael Foley
iApplianceWeb
(05/22/01, 08:16:01 AM EDT)

Asante Technologies, Inc. is providing mobility within the home with their FriendlyNET FR3002AL, a new upgradeable wireless router. It combines wireless networking with gateway features so that homes and small businesses can share high-speed Internet service. The wireless gateway is used in conjunction with either a cable or DSL modem for broadband connectivity.

The FR3002AL has an integrated 2-port Fast Ethernet switch that provides fast local connections. Ethernet switches eliminate data collisions on the network that normally degrade throughput speed. The switch can move network traffic at up to 100 Mbps (200 Mbps in full duplex mode). The gateway is expandable so that users may add 10/100 switches via Asante's stacking architecture. Wireless support is added by attaching an Asante AeroLAN PCMCIA adapter into the router, which enables 802.11b wireless communications. It also has a built-in print server that supports Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems.

The FR3002AL contains a firewall with network address translation (NAT) to protect users' privacy. Wireless security is provided through wired equivalent privacy (WEP) encryption, and group security. It also provides physical security withspecial hooks and four mounting holes for securing the router in place.

Asante's routers, switches, and other products are available from Asante resellers, e-commerce sites, systems integrators, and at www.asante.com. FriendlyNET FR3002AL wireless cable/DSL router with 2-port 10/100 switch and print server is available for $199.