PCTEL releases Wi-Fi security module SDK.

PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCTI), a leader in simplifying mobility, announced today the availability of its 802.1x security module in the form of an SDK (Software Development Kit). The PCTEL 802.1x SDK will allow software developers to quickly incorporate the latest security technology into any application requiring connectivity over an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.

PCTEL's SDK offers support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 security standards based on the next generation of Wi-Fi security recently ratified under the IEEE 802.11i standard. In addition, the SDK supports WPAHome and WPA-Enterprise standards and works with Wi-Fi and Ethernet-based connections to allow simple integration of any application with secure broadband networks in public hotspots, enterprise environment or within a home environment.

PCTEL is one of the few companies in the world that develops and distributes its own 802.1x security stack with included EAP (Extensible Application Protocol) modules. EAP is a user authentication framework widely used on Enterprise wireless networks to ensure secure connections and prevent unauthorized access to private environments. The PCTEL 802.1x SDK includes support for industry standard authentication methods. The software package is also compatible with the Microsoft SDK Architecture, giving application developers the flexibility of using either the supplied PCTEL security stack or third-party methods designed for use with Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000.

The package comes with a sample application and source code that demonstrates how to easily integrate the SDK with an existing software application. The newly announced security and authentication package can be licensed independent of PCTEL's Roaming Client and incorporated into third-party connection management products. PCTEL's 802.1x security stack and EAP authentication methods are deployed by multiple carriers (such as T-Mobile and NTT DoCoMo) and several enterprise customers to secure their hotspot services.

"This is the most comprehensive Wi-Fi security package in the industry today," said Biju Nair, Vice President and General Manager of PCTEL's Mobility Solutions Group. "The PCTEL solution is compatible with all Wi-Fi hardware in the industry and enables the user to make personal security decisions by leveraging components available in the Microsoft OS. The inclusion of WPA2 into the SDK is a major boost for the network security of our carrier and Enterprise customers," added Nair.