Intel boosts Wi-Fi connectivity speeds

by Antony Savvas

Wednesday 24 January 2007

Intel has introduced an upgrade to its Wi-Fi connectivity technology that speeds connections, increases range and saves battery life.

The Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N network connection solution is an upgrade to the wireless component found inside Intel Centrino Duo mobile chipsets and hardware found in other Intel-based laptops.

Intel said that, since notebook PCs increasingly download broadband-intense content such as movies, videos and music, a more powerful networking solution is needed.

Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology addresses that need by offering users up to five times the performance speed and twice the wireless range, while providing up to an extra hour of notebook battery life, when compared to existing solutions.

“Integrating wireless-N technology into notebook computers based on Centrino Duo with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, delivers the speed, coverage and multi-tasking abilities needed for consumers to enjoy their home networking and digital entertainment,” said Dave Hofer, director of wireless marketing for Intel’s Mobile Platforms Group.

Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology will be delivered in conjunction with new notebook computers powered by Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology from OEMs such as Acer, Asus, Gateway and Toshiba, that are being distributed with Microsoft Windows Vista beginning in late January.

Other OEMs will follow, said Intel.