Laird Technologies enhances wireless LAN modules

The company claimed the enhanced LM400/402 802.11b/g wireless LAN modules deliver a new level of performance to WLAN streaming video and high data rate applications.

The majority of wireless modules on the market offer effective throughput in the sub-megabit range, these modules offer real throughput many times that of the sub-megabit range, according to Laird Technologies.

Based on the Marvell 8686 WLAN chipset, they provide embedded designers both the data throughput and simplicity of a module with embedded drivers and an embedded industrial TCP/IP stack, saving months of embedded firmware development.

The WLM400 meets FCC/IC standards while the WLM402 meets CE standards.

Both modules utilise a combination of an ARM9 application processor and a flexible lightweight host/device API to provide a streaming channel that can deliver 12Mbps real data throughput with an 802.11g link and minimal power consumption.

Key features of these modules include the ability to be configured as a transparent bridge between a host and WLAN network, the availability of enterprise level security, a fully embedded TCP/IP stack, support for 802.11b/g specification, and low-power operation.

Furthermore, the modules support antenna diversity, good range (1,500m in 802.11b), and multiple host interface ports to choose from, including UART, SPI, 10/100 Ethernet, and USB.

A hardware development kit is available with a reference hardware design and sample code in the form of a software development kit.

The WLM400/402 modules are designed to make wireless integration simple with their throughput, low-power consumption, and ease of use.

They are said to be ideal for streaming wireless applications, whether as infrastructure connections or video cable replacements in ad-hoc mode.