D-Link Launches DWL-Series of Wireless Networking Products

Strategic Insights -

D-Link, a leading manufacturer of networking and digital electronic technologies, has introduced its DWL-Series of wireless networking products, based on the IEEE 802.11b standard. The series includes two high-speed 11 megabit wireless adapters, DWL-500 for desktop PCs and DWL-650 for notebook PCs, as well as the DWL-1000AP Access Point to extend the range of the wireless network. These products enable users to share hard disk drives, DVD drives, CD drives, Iomega Zip drives, printers, and access the Internet through an analog, cable, or DSL modem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DWL-Series of wireless networking products includes two high-speed 11 megabit wireless adapters, DWL-500 and DWL-650, and the DWL-1000AP Access Point.
  • The products are based on the IEEE 802.11b standard and offer seamless roaming and full mobility across access points.
  • The DWL-500 is a PCI network adapter, while the DWL-650 is a PCMCIA Type-II 11Mbps wireless network adapter.
  • The DWL-650 and DWL-500 have a range of coverage per cell for indoor use of up to 100 meters and up to 300 meters per cell for outdoor use.
  • The DWL-1000AP is an IEEE 802.11b compliant 11 megabit per second (Mbps) Ethernet wireless Access Point that provides transparent bridging and roaming capabilities.
  • The products are designed to operate in 3.3V or 5.0V DC and use 40-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Encryption for a secure network connection.
  • The DWL-650 and DWL-500 can operate in either Ad-Hoc mode or Infrastructure mode, and the DWL-1000AP automatically obtains an IP address and forwards additional IPs to multiple clients on the network.
  • The products are compatible with Windows 95 OSR2, 98, ME, 2000, NT 4.0, and other popular operating systems.

Statistics:

  • The DWL-500 PCI adapter has a suggested retail price of $199.
  • The DWL-650 PCMCIA adapter has a suggested retail price of $199.
  • The DWL-1000AP Access Point has a suggested retail price of $399.
  • D-Link has a manufacturing capacity of over 500,000 sq. ft and 1500 employees.
  • D-Link generates $595 million in revenue, with a growth rate that will allow the company to continue its prosperity.

Sources:

  • "D-Link Launches DWL-Series of Wireless Networking Products" (PRNewswire, September 12, 2000)
  • "D-Link DWL-500 and DWL-650 Wireless Adapters" (D-Link website)
  • "D-Link DWL-1000AP Access Point" (D-Link website)
  • "D-Link Corporation" (D-Link website)