3Com targets wireless home workers

Networking firm 3Com has launched a low-cost, broadband wireless access product for teleworkers and small businesses.

The OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Firewall Router will compete with Cisco subsidiary Linksys for a slice of the small business and remote working market.

The product combines an ADSL modem with a router, 802.11g wireless access point, firewall and a 4-port switch, allowing 128 people to connect via wireless to a single ADSL line.

3Com claims the product allows wireless access to high-bandwidth applications at speeds of up to 54Mbps, allowing users to access audio, video and multimedia applications.

"Mobile and laptop sales are increasing and this will drive usage in the home," said Angelo Lamme, EMEA product marketing manager for 3Com's wireless and security division.

"We see this as our answer to products [that] Linksys is offering in this market."

The OfficeConnect Wireless 11g Firewall Router also features 256-bit Wi-Fi Protected Access wireless data encryption and 40/64 and 128-bit Wired Equivalent Privacy encryption for legacy wireless clients.

Other security functionality includes URL and keyword filtering to control access to inappropriate websites, media access control filtering and packet and hacker pattern detection firewall features.

Bob Tarzey, service director at analyst firm Quocirca, said the product would compete well on price, with embedded firewall and security features that would appeal to small businesses, even though there was nothing "particularly special" about it in comparison to others on the market.

"But when 3Com releases something for the low end it has the advantage of a strong reseller presence," he added.

OfficeConnect ADSL Wireless 11g Firewall Router begins shipping this month and is available through 3Com partners at a list price of $215 (£114).