Compaq nc6000 WLAN solutions for HP enterprise notebooks and Tablet PCs - Page 5

Performance HP works to optimize WLAN performance at each step of the product development process, starting with the selection of the WLAN technology provider. By partnering with companies like Intel and Atheros, jointly designing and testing standards-based solutions during the development process, HP is able to provide leading performance wireless LAN adapters at a competitive cost. Starting with a high performance WLAN adapter, however, is not enough. The adapter must be integrated into the notebook with a complementary antenna for maximum range and throughput. HP places the WLAN antennas in the display enclosure, where they are less susceptible to interference by electrical signals in the base of the notebook, less susceptible to signal absorption and antenna de-tuning by the proximity of the user; and, by being elevated, have better 'visibility' of the WLAN signal. This placement of high-efficiency antennas minimizes signal loss, which helps users stay connected over longer distances and helps maximize throughput at all points in the network coverage area. The HP antennas are "dual-band"-capable of supporting wireless LAN technologies that use either the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz frequency bands. This allows customers to benefit from the higher network capacity of 802.11a while remaining compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks. Finally, HP employs an omni-directional, diversity antennae approach-two antennas in every notebook that work independently-to help ensure the best possible performance, regardless of how the notebook is oriented. Diversity design improves indoor performance by minimizing the radio frequency (RF) reflection effects ("multipath"), which can cause localized signal weaknesses at either of the antennae. The final guarantee of WLAN performance is provided by HP's test and qualification process. First the design is validated and tuned in the laboratory, and then it is tested in real world conditions. An in-factory verification of WLAN performance confirms that each WLAN notebook meets HP's exacting standards. Cisco Any discussion of network security and manageability would be incomplete without addressing the solutions offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. Cisco has met enterprise network requirements by offering innovative products that address needs for security and manageability, typically by combining standards-based and Ciscoproprietary technologies. HP is committed to offering business notebooks that customers can deploy in a Cisco wireless LAN environment. Therefore, all HP business notebook WLANs are Cisco compatible, as verified through the Cisco Compatible Extensions Program. The Cisco Compatible Extensions Program for WLAN devices assures compatibility between Cisco Aironet WLAN products and HP notebooks through extensive independent testing. Cisco Compatible HP notebooks interoperate with Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN products and support proprietary Cisco features that enhance security and manageability. HP WLAN adapters HP notebooks and tablet PCs for enterprise business feature a choice of WLAN adapters. Table 1 compares selected characteristics of the adapters, and Table 2 shows availability by product. Table 1 Feature comparison, WLAN adapters Feature Wireless LAN Standards Frequency Band Intel Pro/Wireless 2100 IEEE 802.11b 2.4 GHz Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g 2.4 GHz HP W400 802.11b/g WLAN IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g 2.4 GHz HP W500 802.11a/b/g WLAN IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz 5