NCR Ltd has announced the UK launch of its personal computer and point of sale terminal-based wireless local network system, WaveLAN. The launch follows the Department of Trade & Industry’s decision to approve the 2.4GHz frequency band for such systems, which means that an operating licence is not required to use it. The system consists of a 16-bit full-sized AT/EISA or Micro Channel expansion board with built-in radio transceiver, an external omni-directional antenna measuring 4 square, diagnostics and network server drivers. Running under MS-DOS, OS/2 or Unix, it is claimed to support all major networks including NetWare, Microsoft LAN Manager for MS-DOS and Unix, IBM LAN Server, Vines, Lantastic, and other NCR System 3000-based networks including TCP/IP, Open Systems Interconnection and SNA Workgroup. It includes Novell Inc’s Open Link Data Interface and Microsoft-3Com Corp Network Driver Interface Specification network drivers. Other options include a Novell NetWare boot ROM for diskless workstations. It is also available for NCR 7052xc point-of-sale terminals. The company has also announced WavePoint, claimed to provide a bridge between WaveLAN and existing wired networks, which is due for launch next month. WaveLAN uses low power – 100mW – 2.4GHz spread spectrum technology and is claimed to have a 600 foot operating radius in open plan offices, with a 2Mbps data throughput. The company also says that a wide area network option, with five-mile line of sight connections, will be available later in the year. Conscious that security may prove to be a major concern for users, NCR has been pushing the system’s in-built security features: it says that three levels are provided. The Spread Spectrum transmission technology used is claimed to provide secure error-free transmission, while the company has also incorporated a four digit hexadecimal local network segment identification code into the system. Additionally, NCR says it has two optional plug-in ASIC devices for highly secure situations, the Data Encryption Standard for financial institutions, or the Advanced Encryption Scheme, both of which are claimed to provide virtually unbreakable data encryption. Qudis Networks Ltd is to be the primary distributor for the system in the UK and the list price is UKP700 for each personal computer. WaveLAN is also approved for use in Switzerland, and NCR says that it expects to gain approval in France next month, with other countries following afterwards.
