Ubicom's New Repeater Functionality Will Enable 
Industry's First Purely Wireless, Stand-Alone Repeaters

WDS Functionality on Low-Cost, Stand-Alone Repeater Access 
Points Will Enable the Broad Deployment of Wireless Networks

    Ubicom(TM), Inc., a leading provider of wireless network processor and software platforms for wireless networks and device connectivity, today announced that it has added support for repeater functionality to its platform and is working with large OEMs and ODMs to deliver the world's first wireless, stand-alone repeater access points. The new functionality is expected to reduce the cost of deploying a network by several orders of magnitude. 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.

    Working closely with Agere, a leading provider of 802.11 chips, cards, and modules, Ubicom has added support for the Wireless Distribution System (WDS) to its IP2022 wireless network processor and software platform. WDS functionality wirelessly extends the transmission distance of a signal, bridging wireless clients to a main access point. As a result, users can expand the coverage of their wireless network without having to pull costly wiring, which can total as much as $1,000 per node. 

    While some wireless suppliers offer WDS support today, it is only available as an integrated feature on expensive access points. Ubicom's platform delivers the performance and reliability needed to enable the development of purely wireless, stand-alone repeater access points, at less than half the cost of competitive solutions. As a result, Ubicom is driving down the cost of deploying a wireless LAN (WLAN), allowing a variety of applications such as hotspots, airport and hotel networks, and networks within small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to finally deliver widespread wireless network connectivity.

    "In order for WLANs to become pervasive, the industry needs solutions that can extend wireless coverage at a reasonable cost," said Bulent Celebi, president and CEO of Ubicom. "In cases where customers simply want to extend the reach of the network, full-featured, high-end access points aren't necessary. Stand-alone repeaters enable cost-effective anytime, anywhere network access so that communications can finally become ubiquitous and transparent."

    High Performance, Reliable Repeater Capabilities
    WDS support for the Ubicom(TM) IP2022 microprocessor and software platform allows a repeater access point to act as a wireless bridge between a main access point and multiple wireless clients. Ubicom's technology allows users to specify up to six high-performance wireless links. Benchmark tests show that repeater access points designed using Ubicom's platform consistently outperform solutions from some of the industry's leading wireless access point providers. For instance, TCP/IP throughput is 1.40 Mbps between a client and an access point going over two Ubicom repeaters (3 hops), compared to 1.33 Mbps for two access points from another leading provider. The solution is compatible with chipsets from Agere.

    Stand-alone repeater solutions can also be implemented without the need for wired blocks, such as Ethernet, reducing form factor and cost. Technological breakthroughs from Ubicom ensure that this purely wireless solution can be quickly and reliably upgraded. In addition, existing Ubicom customers can add this capability to their access points with a simple firmware upgrade.

    About Ubicom's Platform
    Ubicom's platform consists of a wireless network processor, called the IP2022, 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
    WDS functionality has been added to Ubicom's IP2022 Advanced Wireless Kit. Existing customers can upgrade to the new kit for no additional charge. New customers can purchase the kit now 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.

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             CONTACT: Ubicom, Inc.
             Rosanna Surmaitis, 650/210-1510
             rosanna.surmaitis@ubicom.com
                 or
             Tanis Communications, Inc. (for Ubicom)
             Joany Draeger, 650/365-3395
             joany@taniscomm.com