What is computer networking or local area networking (LAN)?
Computer networking or local area networking (LAN) refers to the ability to link two or
more computers together in order for them to share files, a printer, fax capabilities or
other peripherals. The benefit of doing this is saved time and money: you don’t have
to buy printers for each computer or have to transfer information only via sneaker net.
Typically, computers have been linked together through the use of wire. One popular
particular method of linking computers is the use of 10BaseT or Ethernet. It is a common
practice today for office computers to be networked together this way. Typically, an
Ethernet card (also known as a network interface card or NIC), is installed in each
computer and a cable is attached to each computer’s Ethernet NIC. After proper
configuration of the networking, printer, and file sharing software incorporated in
Windows 95, the computers will be able to share files or other resources.
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What are some of the key features of the Symphony product
suite?
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How do Symphony wireless products work?
Symphony Cordless Networking products emulate an Ethernet network. However, instead of
using a wire to connect the computers, Symphony uses radio technology. The technology is
similar to that employed in your cordless phone.
With a cordless phone, a base station is connected to the phone jack, leaving you free
to roam with the handset. The handset transmits your voice to the base station with radio
waves. The base station then takes the voice information and converts it from the radio
waves to a signal that can be transmitted over the wire that plugs into the phone jack.
With Symphony, radio waves transmit your computer data--a greeting card to Grandma to
be printed, a letter to be faxed, your log-on to your ISP--to other computers equipped
with a Symphony ISA or PC Card or to the Symphony Cordless Modem.
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How do I get started using Symphony?
Like the wired local area network described above, the first step is to install a network
interface card in each computer. There are two types of Symphony adapter cards: Symphony
ISA cards for your Windows 95 desktop and Symphony PC cards for your Windows 95 laptop.
Both cards are plug-and-play, which means that Windows will recognize that you have
installed new hardware and will prompt you for the software that comes with the products.
With the plug-and-play card, there are no jumper and switch settings.
At this point, the Symphony Composer Installation Wizard will guide you through the
rest of the process. You will be prompted to respond to simple questions about sharing
files and printers among your computers. You will be asked if you have an Internet Service
Provider connection. Upon completion of this set-up routine, all computers connected via
Symphony will have the same abilities as a wired Ethernet network and more.
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What kind of coverage does the Symphony Cordless Suite typically
provide?
Symphony Cordless Suite products are designed to cover a typical single-family home. Range
is up to 150 feet, depending on the type of home construction you have. Symphony Cordless
products will typically allow connection through three or four walls.
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How can I be mobile?
If you are a laptop user, you can remain connected to your e-mail account or the Internet
even though you may move around the house. As long as you are within range of the other
Symphony products, you are connected to the network. This allows you the flexibility of
working outside, or near the kids to keep an eye on them.
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As Symphony products use radio waves to communicate, will
anyone else be able to eavesdrop if they also have Symphony products?
No. If you are concerned about someone accessing your private information because you have
experienced overhearing your neighbor’s cordless phone conversations, you can rest
easy. Unlike older cordless phones, Symphony allows you to enter a password that only you
will know. There are over 2 million possible combinations. Only those Symphony products
with the exact same password will be able to communicate with your computers.
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Is wireless safe in the home?
Yes. Just like the cordless phone, Proxim Symphony products are approved by the
appropriate government regulatory agencies for safety. Proxim Symphony Cordless Networking
products are regulated and approved by the FCC and Underwriter’s Laboratories for use
in your home.
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Will it interfere with any other electronic devices in my home?
No. Symphony products use 2.4 GHz radio technology and will not interfere with your
cordless phones, Ricochet wireless modems, and pagers or cell phones.
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Are Proxim RangeLAN2 products compatible with Symphony?
While Symphony products are not, strictly speaking, RangeLAN2 compatible, we have
developed a compatibility mode that allows a user with a RangeLAN2 PC card to communicate
with a Symphony cordless modem. For more detailed information, please contact Proxim.
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When will Symphony products be available?
Symphony products are coming soon! We're in the last stages of government approval and
will be shipping to US customers in August. International availability will follow. The
Symphony Cordless Suite will be available from major computer and office retail stores and
through this website. To register to receive advance notification of product availability,
sign up to be on our
Symphony e-mail interest list. We'll let you know about product availability,
promotions and where you can purchase it.
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Who is Proxim?
Proxim might not be a household name to you, but it is recognized by businesses worldwide
as the leader in wireless local area networking. Over 400,000 of our products are
installed around the globe in banks, hospitals, airports and schools. Our technology
leadership, coupled with reliability, service and support has earned us partnerships with
such respected companies as Hewlett-Packard, Motorola and many others.
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What does Proxim know about wireless for consumers?
Proxim is one of ten core members of the Home RF Working Group, a consortium of sixteen
companies dedicated to creating a standard blueprint for home wireless. The companies are
Compaq; Ericsson; Hewlett-Packard; IBM; Intel; Microsoft; Motorola; Philips; Proxim and
Symbionics. Proxim is the only wireless data vendor among the core members of this group.
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