Proxim has released a convenient PC card that supports a number of wireless protocols. It sorts out, for many people, the confusion and perplexity relating to wireless technologies and associated interoperability issues.
The Orinoco ComboCard connects to wireless networks running legacy 802.11b technology, as well as the new high speed, 54 megabits per second 802.11a and 802.11g technologies.
The card incorporates the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' new 802.11d World Mode standard, which enables the card to automatically configure itself to any local wireless standard, regardless of location.
The Orinoco ComboCard is Wi-Fi certified, meaning that it will work with all Wi-Fi certified access points regardless of whether they are in a coffee shop, a company lobby or on an aeroplane.
All PCCW-operated Wi-Fi hotspots use the older 802.11b technology.
Targeted at corporate users, Proxim's new card has enterprise security features and comes with a free client utility. The utility manages and updates collections of wireless networks and security profiles.