Proxim To Support MacOS X with Farallon Gigabit PCI Cards.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Proxim Also Unveils NetLINE 24-Port Gigabit Switch, Allowing Schools

and Small Businesses to Inexpensively Integrate Ethernet, Fast

Ethernet and Gigabit Networking

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 3, 2001

The Consumer Networks Business Unit (formerly Farallon) of Proxim Inc. (Nasdaq:PROX), the leader in wirefree broadband networking, today announced that it will support Apple's Mac OS X with drivers for the NetLINE(TM) Gigabit PCI Cards for unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and fiber optic networks. In addition, Proxim unveiled a new NetLINE(TM) 24-port 10/100/1000 Switch. The PCI card and switch provide an easy and affordable solution for schools and businesses that require a fast network backbone and support for a variety of client computers.

The NetLINE Gigabit PCI Card, combined with the NetLINE switch, will provide improved TCP/IP support, performance and stability by removing the overhead of Open Transport and taking full advantage of the speed of the MacOS X's Mach kernel. Schools and small businesses will be able to integrate Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit within their networks and, by interconnecting switches, create a super-fast network backbone. To maximize the speed of clients' access to the network server, a NetLINE Gigabit PCI Card may be installed in the server and connected to a 1000 Mb port on the switch.

"We've developed our Gigabit driver for MacOS X and Gigabit Switch in order to fully support our Mac customers' networking needs as they move to the new operating system," said Georganne Benesch, vice president and general manager of Proxim's Consumer Networks Business Unit. "Additionally our Dr. Farallon Network Performance Clinic, which provides personal, human support to all of our customers, is available to help people design high-performance networks that incorporate Mac OS X and Gigabit into their existing networks."

"Built on an open-source UNIX-based foundation and offering advanced Internet and graphics technologies, Mac OS X offers unprecedented stability and is the most technically advanced personal computer operating system ever," said Clent Richardson, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "Proxim's embrace of Mac OS X will allow Mac users worldwide to create reliable, fast Macintosh networks."

Gigabit PCI Card Features and Specifications

The NetLINE Gigabit PCI Card offers a 10/100/1000Base-TX RJ-45 half and full duplex interface. The fiber optic version is a 1000 Mbs-only card that supports multimode fiber optic cabling with SC connectors. It provides ten times more network bandwidth to servers and high-end workstations than Fast Ethernet and is interoperable with existing Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet equipment. Along with support for Mac OS X, the Gigabit PCI card is compatible with MacOS 8.1 and higher and Windows 2000/NT4.0 drivers for cross-platform gigabit in desktops and servers. Jumbo frames compatibility allows the card to accept extended Ethernet packets without interruption.

NetLINE 24-port 10/100/1000 Switch Features and Specifications

The NetLINE Switch features twenty-four 10/100 and two 100/1000 switching ports with RJ-45 connectors. Its store-and-forward switching architecture forwards data with minimum delay. Full-duplex support on every port enables optimal performance.

Pricing and Availability

The NetLINE 10/100/1000 PCI Card is now shipping and is available for the U.S. estimated price of $694.00. Proxim's Mac OS X Drivers will be available in conjunction with Apple's Mac OS X release. The NetLINE PCI Card includes free technical support and a three-year warranty.

The NetLINE 10/100/1000 24-port Switch will be available this month for the U.S. estimated price of $1,399.00. The NetLINE Switch includes free technical support and a three-year warranty.

In addition to the NetLINE Gigabit PCI Card and NetLINE 24-port 10/100/1000 Switch, the Consumer Networks Business Unit of Proxim also offers a complete line of Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit network adapters, hubs and switches. More information can be found at www.farallon.com.

About Proxim

Proxim, Inc. (Nasdaq:PROX) has over 15 years of experience designing and building wirefree broadband networking solutions for the home, enterprise and service provider markets. The Symphony(TM) product family offers easy-to-use, inexpensive wirefree networking for homes, small offices and classrooms, while the Farallon(TM) products extend these networking choices with a range of Ethernet, HPNA and wirefree solutions for both Mac and PC users. RangeLAN2(TM) offers wirefree broadband networking for the enterprise as well as a line of design-in modules for OEMs. Harmony(TM) provides enterprises with a low-cost architecture designed to work with any wirefree technology. Stratum(TM) products provide building-to-building networking connectivity for enterprises and service providers. Proxim is a Promoter of the Home Radio Frequency Working Group along with Compaq, Intel, Siemens, Motorola, National Semiconductor and other leaders in the wireless market. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with offices globally. Visit www.proxim.com for more information.

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