LINKSYS ENABLES AFFORDABLE AND DEPENDABLE WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY WITH NEW INSTANT WIRELESS* 802.11b LAN SOLUTIONS

New Linksys Wireless PC Cards, PCI Readers, USB adapters, Access Points and Wireless Cable/DSL Routers Make Wireless Networking Flexible in the Home and Office

IRVINE, CA, January 3, 2001 - Linksys, a leading manufacturer of broadband and networking hardware for the home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), Small/Medium Business (SMB) and enterprise markets, today announced its Instant Wireless* line of IEEE 802.11b LAN solutions, including Access Points, PC Cards, PCI Adapters, USB Adapters and Wireless Access Point + Cable/DSL Routers. These wireless devices perform at 11Mbps, delivering Ethernet-like networking speeds for sharing files, resources and Internet access. The new Linksys Instant Wireless(tm) Cable/DSL Routers provide for high-security wireless LAN access and broadband Internet access, along with an added print server port or a 4-Port Switch for home or office user networking convenience.

The Instant Wireless Access Points (AP), PC Cards and PCI Adapters are shipping now through major retailers, online resellers, direct response and major distributors, while the wireless USB Adapter and Instant Wireless APs + Cable/DSL Routers will be shipping this quarter.

"Adding wireless LAN solutions to our networking and broadband networking lines is a natural addition considering that we offer the most complete line of Ethernet, HomePNA and Cable/DSL products on the market," said, Linksys President and CEO Victor Tsao. "We are committed to providing customers with the broadest selection of networking and broadband hardware products, so that when users want to upgrade or add new technologies to their network they can feel confident that we will offer a solution compatible with their existing hardware. Our new line of Instant Wireless products do just that - enable simple, dependable and adaptable networking while at the home or at the office." Tsao continued, "With the growth of broadband and the desire to share the connection, our wireless products will enable the freedom to share that connection without the extra expense of rewiring."

Following are some highlights of Instant Wireless(tm) products from Linksys:

Instant Wireless(tm) Network PC Card (WPC11)
The Instant Wireless Network PC Card is a PCMCIA Type II Card that works directly with other wireless 802.11b PC cards in peer-to-peer environments or with Wireless AP infrastructures to connect with wired Ethernet resources, like high-speed Internet access or wired local area networks. Compliant with the 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi and IEEE 802.11b standards, the Instant Wireless PC Card features 64-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption for secure wireless data transmissions up to 164 feet indoors and 820 feet outdoors at the 11Mbps range (depending on environments). Operating range can be extended up to 492 feet indoors and 1,640 feet outdoors in some instances utilizing 1Mbps range. Coupled with the Instant Wireless PCI Adapter, users can free desktop PCs from network cabling hassles too. Estimated Street Price (ESP): $129.

Instant Wireless(tm) PCI Network Adapter (WDT11)
Coupled with the Instant Wireless Network PC Card, this wireless PCI Adapter serves as a PCI reader to enable your desktop PCs with wire-free access to LAN resources. When the Linksys Wireless Network PC Card (WPC11) is slid into the wireless PCI reader slot, your wireless desktop PC will work under the same wireless standards: IEEE 802.11b and 2.4GHz compliance, 64-bit WEP data encryption, and compatible with Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT and Millennium. This PCI device works in any standard PCI slot in desktop PCs. Operating range is consistent with the PC Card with up to 164 feet outdoors and 830 feet indoors. ESP: $49.00.

Instant Wireless(tm) USB Network Adapter (WUSB11)
The wireless USB Adapter can enable desktop and notebook PCs with wireless 11Mbps network and Internet access, without having to open desktop PC cases or taking up PCMCIA slots on notebook PCs. It is compatible with other 802.11b NICs and PC Cards in peer-to-peer environment or when used with an AP. The USB Adapter also includes 64-bit WEP encryption for secured networking and has the same operating range as the PC Card and AP. ESP: TBA.

Instant Wireless(tm) Access Point (WAP11)
The Instant Wireless(tm) Access Point enables wireless notebook and desktop PCs to connect with Ethernet networks for sharing files, resources, and high-speed cable or DSL Internet connections. The Wireless AP's two high-powered dipole antennas reach up to 820 feet outdoors at 11Mbps while providing seamless access to wired Ethernet resources throughout a LAN infrastructure. Advanced user authentication and 64-bit WEP encryption reinforces data security so other non-authorized wireless devices are blocked from your network. With its Windows-based diagnostics and statistics tools, wire-free installation is simple. Multiple APs can be cascaded to extend the operating range and improve data transfer performance. A built-in roaming feature mobilizes notebook PC users without disconnecting from the wired network or high-speed Internet access. ESP: $249.99.

Instant Wireless(tm) Cable/DSL Router + Print Server (BEFW11P1)
This wireless device features a Cable/DSL Router like our 1-Port Router (BEFSR11), but also includes wireless AP capabilities and a Print Server. The device has one WAN port, one LAN port, one 10/100 printer port and a PCMCIA slot to house the Instant Wireless(tm) PC Card (WPC11) which enables AP functions. This hybrid wireless device performs all the functions of three devices in one, so users benefit from one source troubleshooting, more cost-efficiency and conservation of your workspace. Linksys' award-winning router features: Firewall, IPSec Pass through, PPTP support, PPPoE, mapping, logging, forwarding, filtering, DMZ are all included. ESP: $299. (Wireless PC Card not included)

Instant Wireless(tm) Cable/DSL Router + 4-Port Switch (BEFW11S4)
The award-winning and world's most popular selling Cable/DSL Router has added wireless AP capabilities. The new wireless 4-Port Cable/DSL Router + AP includes a 4-Port 10/100 Switch, Cable/DSL Router, NAT firewall security, and an IEEE 802.11b 11Mbps built-in Wireless AP. This new router includes all the features and functionalities that the popular BEFSR41 has including Firewall, IPSec Pass through, PPTP support, PPPoE, mapping, logging, filtering, forwarding, DMZ plus more. It's an all-in-one device that allows both wireless and wired Ethernet PCs to access a broadband connection for IP sharing, file sharing, and resource sharing while conserving desktop space. With its built-in 4-Port Switch, this hybrid wireless device enables wireless and wired notebook and desktop PCs to access the Internet, free from cables. ESP: $399

These wireless solutions extend and enhance Linksys' well-reputed product lines of award winning EtherFast Cable/DSL Routers, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet NICs, hubs and switches, HomePNA phoneline networking products, Network-Attached Storage devices, KVM Switches, Print Servers, Modems and plug-and-play USB solutions.

About The Linksys Group, Inc.

Linksys, an award-winning leader in the development of networking and broadband networking solutions for the home, Small/Medium Business (SMB), Small Office/Home Office (SOHO), and enterprise environments, has been the number one manufacturer of networking hardware in the retail channel for over 3 ½ years -- currently owning over 30% of the market. Through this position, Linksys has become the fastest growing networking hardware manufacturer in the distribution channel and the lead seller of networking hardware online through E-tailers. Linksys products emphasize speed, affordability, reliability, ease of installation and widespread compatibility, and are sold through leading master distributors, computer resellers, direct response, VARs and e-commerce and retail stores worldwide. For more information, visit the Linksys Web site at <www.linksys.com>, email us at sales@linksys.com, or call toll-free 1-800-LINKSYS (546-5797).

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Linksys, Instant Wireless and EtherFast are trademarks of Linksys. These names are not to be used by other manufacturers without the written permission of Linksys. All other products and company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2001 Linksys, All Rights Reserved.