Proxim plans to demonstrate a HomeRF upgrade that operates ten times as fast
at next week’s N+I and Connections 2001 Las Vegas Convention Center event.
The technology, which is based on the recently ratified HomeRF 2.0 standard
for broadband and multimedia, allows data to be transferred at 10 million
bits per second, or 10 times faster than current rates. That speed falls
just 1 megabit short of rival Wi-Fi’s top speed of 11 megabits per second.
Proxim, which generates revenue by licensing and supplying HomeRF technology
to other companies, was hit hard in March when chipmaker Intel switched
teams and decided to support Wi-Fi, or 802.11b, instead of HomeRF. Proxim’s
share price sank on the news, but has slightly recovered.
HomeRF 2.0 is supported by a number of companies, including Compaq, Intel,
Motorola, Proxim and Siemens. Apple Computer, Cisco Systems, 3Com, Lucent
Technologies sell products that support the Wi-Fi wireless standard.
Wi-Fi, which is used mostly by corporations and in the workplace, has also
grabbed the attention of consumers as prices for gadgets and hardware have
decreased. Supporters of Wi-Fi expect users to pay for products using Wi-Fi
based on workplace familiarity, among other reasons, including pledges of
better security.
HomeRF and Proxim were unavailable for comment by press time.
In early morning going, Proxim was trading at $18.05, up
$1.03 from yesterday’s close at $17.02.
