Named Intel Smart Wireless Solutions, the software will be delivered with Intel’s PROSet/Wireless version 9.0 utility on new Centrino-based notebooks, as well as some Linksys wireless routers and access points.
Charlie Giancarlo, president of Cisco-Linksys, said the software will eliminate many steps involved in setting up a Wi-Fi network: These include typing in passwords on both the router and PC, setting up SSID names, and enabling security settings.
The companies have been partners for over a year. In future developments, the firms plan to develop technology that will allow notebooks based on Centrino processors to detect the presence of Linksys wireless products and configure them.
The partnership was announced as Intel unveiled its upgraded Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG chipset, which now supports 802.11a, b and g. The platform had previously supported the b and g flavors of 802.11. The updated platform also supports the 802.11i security standard, and supports single sign-on to wireless networks.
