QUALCOMM Reinforces Commitment to WLAN Market, Joins Wi-Fi Alliance
QUALCOMM Incorporated, a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and other advanced wireless technologies, today announced that the Company has joined the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global, non-profit industry trade association with more than 200 member companies devoted to promoting the growth of wireless local area networks (WLAN). By joining the Wi-Fi Alliance, QUALCOMM will be directly involved with ensuring the compatibility of Wi-Fi technology with the Company’s Mobile Station Modem(TM) (MSM(TM)) chipsets.
“QUALCOMM is pleased to take the important step of joining the Wi-Fi Alliance to help ensure the interoperability of WLAN technologies with CDMA2000, WCDMA, and other wireless standards supported by our solutions,” said Ed Tiedemann, senior vice president of engineering for QUALCOMM. “We look forward to working closely together on the interoperability of 802.11 a, b, and g standards — as well as the expected 802.11n standard — with cellular networks, helping ensure seamless compatibility across our product portfolio and driving the convergence of mobile capabilities.”
“In becoming a member of the Wi-Fi Alliance, QUALCOMM joins more than 200 companies from around the globe who are committed to delivering interoperable Wi-Fi solutions and ensuring a positive user experience through our Wi-Fi CERTIFIED programs,” said Frank Hanzlik, Wi-Fi Alliance managing director. “We are pleased to have them become a part of the organization.”
QUALCOMM recently announced that select MSM chipsets will be integrated with WLAN modules to offer connectivity to IP networks, and will feature compatibility with 802.11b and 802.11g protocols on CDMA2000® and WCDMA (UMTS®) networks. QUALCOMM’s contributions to 802.11n technology include MIMO and Transmit Beamforming techniques that will help accelerate convergence between the computing, consumer electronics and mobile phone segments.
With the aim of enhancing the user experience for mobile wireless devices, the Wi-Fi Alliance’s testing and certification programs ensure the interoperability of WLAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 specification. Since the introduction of the Wi-Fi Alliance’s certification program in March 2000, more than 2,000 products have been designated as Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM), encouraging the expanded use of Wi-Fi products and services across the consumer and enterprise markets.
From Qualcomm’s press release.