3Com: Solution Providers ‘Essential’ To Wireless LAN Strategy

3Com made wireless LAN announcements Tuesday at the CTIA conference here that the company said are part of its overall wireless strategy for the future.

As it moves ahead with its wireless LAN strategy, 3Com said it will rely heavily on value-added resellers and solution providers. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said it will utilize its existing Office Connect channel to deliver wireless LAN solutions.

"The VAR and solution provider partners are essential to educate their customers about alternatives to wired solutions," said John Drewry, senior director of business development for 3Com's Wireless Connectivity Division.

The company's two new products offer public connectivity over wireless LAN networks, 3Com said. Its 802.11-based public access solution offers users an 11Mbyte connection in airports, hotels and convention centers using the 3Com AirConnect wireless LAN device, the company said.

The solution offers five times the speeds promised by 3G proponents, said John Drewry, senior director of business development for 3Com's Wireless Connectivity Division.

"3Com believes that wireless LANs are a cost-effective solution for broadband wireless and offers higher speed connections than 3G," says Drewry.

3Com's new Ethernet Product Bridge products, also announced today, enable notebook users to use existing Ethernet connections to wirelessly enable devices while in a designated service area.