SMC's Next Generation Enterprise Wireless Access Points Pack High-End Management and Security for Best-in-Class Performance; New EliteConnect(TM) 802.11a/b/g and 802.11b/g Wireless Access Points Ideal for the Enterprise.

IRVINE, Calif. -- SMC(R) Networks (www.smc.com) announced today the newest, updated versions of the company's EliteConnect(TM) Wireless Access Points. Meeting the Enterprise environment's stringent requirements for security, range and performance, the newest EliteConnect Wireless Access Points now bring even more to the table. With the addition of QoS, WPA2, Multiple SSID, VLAN tagging, and Enterprise-level features like SNMP v3, the new SMC Enterprise Access Points are now an even better fit for any SMB or Enterprise Network. Available in April, the EliteConnect Universal Wireless Access Point (SMC2555W-AG2) with 802.11a/b/g connectivity is priced at an MSRP of $349.99; and the EliteConnect Wireless Access Point (SMC2552W-G2) with 802.11b/g is $299.99 (MSRP).

"Security, range and flexibility are key in the Enterprise environment, and these wireless access points have it all," said SMC product manager Brian Nickell. "SMC's continued commitment to Enterprise Wireless is shown by the new versions of access points with leading-edge technology and features with the flexibility to maximize compatibility, bandwidth and/or range, as needed."

Underscoring SMC's commitment to making wireless connectivity truly practical for multiple applications, the newest EliteConnect Wireless Access Points add QoS for VoIP networks, SNMP v.3 for integration into Enterprise wired networks, and high power output to cover wider areas with fewer access points. Both access points also support PoE and comply with the 802.3af standard. Support for Power over Ethernet allows for simplified installation in areas where power isn't available: used in combination with the company's SMCPWR-INJ3 power injector, data and power are easily sent to the access point with a standard RJ-45 Ethernet cable. Supporting the most commonly used of the major wireless networking standards, the SMC2552W-G2 EliteConnect Wireless Access Point provides flexible, secure, high-performance wireless access to satisfy the mobile computing needs of up to 64 simultaneous users; the SMC2555W-AG2 EliteConnect Universal Wireless Access Point enhances flexibility even further, adding 802.11a for the broadest range of compatibility -- supporting all of today's major wireless standards (802.11a, b and g).

Setup and management are simplified via an easy-to-use Web interface, Command Line Interface (CLI), or SMC's EliteView(TM) Management Software for SNMP-based management. Advanced authentication and encryption security features include the new WPA2, up to 152-bit WEP encryption, AES encryption, 802.1x authentication and dynamic key management, support for FUNK Odyssey and Microsoft RADIUS Server, MAC address authentication, disabled SSID broadcast, and VLANs support.

The new EliteConnect Universal Wireless Access Point (SMC2555W-AG2) with 802.11a/b/g connectivity and EliteConnect Wireless Access Point (SMC2552W-G2) with 802.11b/g are available beginning in April to bring vital security and management features to any SMB or Enterprise application.

For more information about SMC Networks, SMC's Enterprise wireless networking products, or others in its full complement of networking products, visit www.smc.com, or call 800-SMC-4YOU (800-762-4968).