Intel throws R&D muscle behind Wi-Fi wireless networking

By Alun Williams

Posted on 23 Oct 2002 at 17:57

Investments to the tune of $150m will help companies developing Wi-Fi technology, courtesy of Intel.

Wi-Fi - also known as 802.11, in various incarnations - is becoming a well-established standard for high-speed wireless Internet access.

Now Intel has announced that it is dipping into its 'Communications Fund' - to support various wireless standards initiatives, to help companies developing wireless products, make venture investments and generally seed market development.

'Wi-Fi is one of the ripest areas for innovation in the industry,' said Pat Gelsinger, Intel's Chief Technology Officer. 'Intel will continue to play a key role in its development through investments, research, industry programs and products.'

The chip giant has a reason for a keen interest in wireless networking. While being best known for its desktop processors, Intel is keen to diversify into the mobile (and hence wireless) computing market - specifically the project codenamed Banias. This is intended to be a ground-up redesign of mobile computing technology. It will incorporate dual band - 802.11a and 802.11b - wireless capabilities within standard chipset and processor technology. Banias-based products are scheduled to appear before the summer of 2003.

'Wi-Fi use is experiencing explosive growth. Estimates show that it could grow to 30 million laptops equipped with Wi-Fi capability in three years,' said Intel Executive Vice President and Intel Capital President Les Vadasz. 'It will fundamentally change the way people use technology and enable high-speed Internet access anytime, anywhere for business and consumer use.'