News & Events
Intersil's PRISM 3 Chip Set with Zero-IF Architecture Provides WLAN Connectivity For Linksys' New Wireless Ethernet Bridge
-- Linksys® WET11 Instant Wireless Ethernet Bridge extends Wi-Fi connectivity~-- ZIF technology reduces manufacturing cost of WLAN products without sacrificing performance
IRVINE, CA, October 21, 2002 Intersil Corporation (NASDAQ: ISIL), a world leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and wireless networking solutions, today announced Linksys, the leading global manufacturer of broadband, wireless and networking hardware for the Small/Medium Business Small Office/Home Office and home environments, is integrating Intersils PRISM® 3, 802.11b-based Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) chip set in its new Instant Wireless Ethernet Bridge (WET11).
Targeted for the home or small office network user, the WET11 Instant Wireless Ethernet Bridge extends wireless connectivity to any Ethernet-ready network device such as a printer, scanner, desktop or notebook computer and gaming consoles and entertainment devices. The bridge simply and efficiently transmits data between 10Base-T and a wireless LAN, giving businesses the freedom to place any standard network resource virtually anywhere in their offices. A high-powered, built-in antenna enables connections at up to 11Mbps.
The new Linksys Ethernet bridge enables consumers and small businesses to connect all types of Ethernet-equipped devices from printers to gaming consoles to a wireless network " said Larry Ciaccia, vice president and general manager of Intersils Wireless Networking Products Group. "The WET11 is the latest in a growing number of innovative Wi-Fi products using our PRISM 3 WLAN solution that are being manufactured for todays home and small business user.
PRISM 3s innovative Direct Down Conversion (Zero-IF) architecture significantly reduces WLAN product cost. Decreasing the WLAN components to a two-chip design, Intersil enables partners like Linksys to create products in smaller form factors for existing and emerging markets. The world-class PRISM 3 front-end ISL3684 chip utilizes Direct Down Conversion technology, eliminating the need for intermediate-frequency (IF) mixer(s), amplifier and filter components.
Intersils PRISM 3 technology allows us to consistently develop wireless networking solutions like the WET11 so they are more reliable, dependable and compatible with other WLAN hardware, said Victor Tsao, Linksys president and CEO. The Linksys Instant Wireless Ethernet Bridge enables for the first time ever, devices with an Ethernet port to be hooked up to a business or home wireless network.
Linksys also utilizes the PRISM 3 chip in its award winning 802.11b, Wi-Fi PC Cards, which are the lead selling wireless notebook adapters for the worldwide home and small business market according to the 1H 2002 Instat/MDR wireless report.
About Linksys
Linksys, an award-winning global leader in the development of wireless, broadband and LAN networking solutions for the Home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and Small/Medium Business (SMB) corporate environments, is the leading manufacturer of networking hardware in both retail and e-commerce channels and is the fastest growing networking solution provider for the SMB corporate sector. Linksys has current memberships with DSL Forum, HomePlug, PCI-SIG, UPnP, USB-IF and WECA. Linksys also actively participates and directly contributes in the development of the CableHome specification for routers and residential gateways. Linksys products are sold through leading distributors, computer resellers, direct response, broadband service providers and e-commerce and retail stores worldwide. 24/7 Grade A product support (PC Magazine, August 2002) is provided free to all Linksys customers. For more information, visit the Linksys web site at www.linksys.com
Intersil + Elantec Means More for Our Customers
Intersil Corporation is a global semiconductor leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and wireless networking solutions. The acquisition of Elantec Semiconductor, Inc., expanded Intersils product portfolios to address four fast growing markets flat panel displays, optical storage (CD and DVD recordable), power management, and wireless networking. Intersil brings added customer value in providing complete silicon, software and reference design solutions to new products that enhance the computing experience for people wherever they live, work or travel. For more information about Intersil or to find out how to become a member of our winning team, visit the company's web site and career page at www.intersil.com PRISM is a registered trademark of Intersil Americas Inc.
Linksys is a registered trademark and Instant Wireless is a trademark of The Linksys Group. Inc.
All other products and company names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners
