Ubicom Brings Enterprise-Level Security to Wireless Networks at Half the Cost of Competitive Solutions; Announces Availability of 802.1x Secure Wireless Development Kit.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

2003 International CES

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003

Ubicom(TM), Inc., a leading provider of wireless network processor and software platforms for wireless networks and device connectivity, today announced it is supporting 802.1x security on its IP2022 microprocessor and software platform. The company introduced new evaluation and development kits with 802.1x support that enable OEMs and ODMs to bring enterprise-level security to their 802.11b wireless network equipment at less than half the cost of competing solutions. The technology is being demonstrated in a static display hosted by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and a live display in a private meeting room, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).(1) The show opens today in Las Vegas, Nev.

"The industry has made great strides in ensuring secure wireless communications, yet few have benefited due to the high-cost of wireless network equipment," said Bulent Celebi, president and CEO of Ubicom, Inc. "By enabling 802.1x on our powerful, low-cost wireless network processor and software platform, we are allowing OEMs and ODMs to bring enterprise-level security to their 802.11b equipment and finally making it economically feasible for small and mid-sized businesses to implement secure WLANs. We expect this development to fuel the rapid deployment of wireless networks by the entire industry."

Support for 802.1x security is available today on wireless access points that sell for approximately $250-500. Because Ubicom's wireless network processor and software platform substantially lowers the bill of materials (BOM) cost of wireless network equipment, the company expects access points based on its platform to retail for less than half the cost of these competitive solutions.

Ubicom's 802.1x Security Implementation

Ubicom has developed a new software module for its IP2022 microprocessor, called ipAuthenticator, that allows 802.1x to operate natively on the Ubicom IP2022 processor. The platform enables an access point to perform authentication pass-through for a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) authentication server on an 802.11b network. As a result, the network can rapidly identify and verify users to ensure authorized network access. Ubicom's ipAuthenticator module supports all methods of the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), including EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS and EAP-MD5.

As with any Ubicom ipModule, customers can quickly add 802.1x security to their design with the click of a button, using a unique Configuration Tool that is only available for Ubicom's platform. The tool features a user-friendly GUI that allows customers to pick and choose from a comprehensive offering of networking features and functions, customizing their design with any combination of Ubicom ipModules. After customers select their desired features, the Configuration Tool automatically builds all of the necessary code, and strips away unused code to conserve memory.

Support for Advanced Encryption Capabilities: WPA and 802.11i

Ubicom's 802.1x security solution is fully upgradeable to the 802.11i and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) standards currently in development. These standards provide secure encryption capabilities for wireless networks. As a beta partner to the industry's leading software providers, as well as wireless chipset suppliers like Intersil, Ubicom is actively involved in the evolution of these standards and will be among the first to support WPA and 802.11i on its platform. Moreover, customers who purchase Ubicom's 802.1x solution today will be able to upgrade to these standards free of charge when they are finalized.

About Ubicom's Platform

Ubicom has substantially lowered the BOM cost for wireless devices and networking equipment by taking a ground-up approach to the design of its wireless network processor and software platform. The platform consists of the IP2022 microprocessor and a custom operating system, specialized instruction set, and networking stack software modules. The IP2022 employs a deterministic, memory-to-memory architecture that processes packets directly in memory, reducing instructions and memory size. All communications and control functions are implemented in software. This unique Software SOC(TM) methodology allows the processor to be programmed and reprogrammed to support virtually any networking protocol.

Ubicom's networking software also offers OEMs a more than 20x reduction in memory size versus traditional networking software, minimizing the need for costly external memory. The result is an optimized platform that offers up to five times higher throughput, at less than half the cost, using one-third the power in one-tenth the footprint of competing technologies. This total solution achieves a new level of design simplicity that not only results in a lower-cost solution, but also increases overall system reliability while accelerating the manufacturing process, since fewer components are used than traditional designs. As a result, Ubicom's approach can dramatically reduce product development time -- from one year to less than 12 weeks.

Pricing and Availability

Ubicom's 802.1x solutions are available immediately from Ubicom. Customers can purchase the Secure Wireless evaluation kit for $495 and will receive an evaluation board, schematics and documentation for creating a secure 802.11b access point. Ubicom is also offering a Secure Wireless Development Kit for $9,995. The kit includes Ubicom's new 802.1x software modules and works in conjunction with Ubicom's recently announced Advanced Wireless Kit (AWK). The AWK includes all of the hardware and software components needed to embed networking connectivity into wireless and device networking products. It is also available immediately for $9,995. Please visit Ubicom's Web site at http://www.ubicom.com for more information about purchase and upgrade options.

About Ubicom, Inc.

Ubicom, Inc. is making ubiquitous communications a reality, through wireless network processor and software platforms that enable all electronic devices to be connected to each other -- securely, cost-effectively and transparently. With headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., Ubicom also has offices in Oregon, as well as the United Kingdom, Belgium, Taiwan and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.ubicom.com.

Note to Editors: Ubicom and Software SOC are trademarks of Ubicom, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

(1) A static technology display will take place in meeting room

#34316, CES Meeting Place, South Hall 4, Las Vegas Convention

Center.