Bellevue, WA–February 17, 2004— Data-Linc Group announced today that its FastLinc Family of IEEE 802.11b, Wi-Fi compatible modems received FCC approval. The FastLinc Family is the latest addition to Data-Linc's broad array of modems known for their highly reliable performance in challenging industrial environments.This FCC grant allows the use of high-gain antennas up to 14 dBi for long-range applications. Data-Linc's FastLinc antenna offerings now include omni-directional antennas from 2 to 8 dBi and Yagi directional antennas from 10 to 14 dBi.

The newest industrial 802.11b Wi-Fi family, FastLinc, provides fast, high-speed wireless Ethernet connectivity- up to 11 Mbps (over the air data rate)- at distances up to 5 miles using 2.4 GHz direct sequence spread spectrum 802.11b technology. FastLinc industrial grade Wi-Fi 802.11b modems function as a wireless 802.11b access point, wireless bridge or remote repeater and supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and peer-to-peer topologies for IEEE 802.11b, Wi-Fi compliant communications.

Data-Linc's FastLinc family obtains long-range communication that exceeds those of other manufacturers due to the use of optimal power. While the FCC regulates the allowable levels for wireless modems, there is some flexibility in balancing power at the transmitter (wireless modem) with power at the antenna. More power at the transmitter is not necessarily the way to predict that data will get through. Considering the demands of industrial conditions, Data-Linc sets the power level of its FastLinc 810E to 200mW, providing the user greater flexibility in selecting types of antennas with a variety of power gains—YAGI, parabolic grid, etc.—for use, if needed, in high noise, industrial environments so the data will get through. As is the Data-Linc policy, all modems and cables are factory configured for easy installation.

Both the Ethernet FastLinc FLC810E stand-alone and the FastLinc FLC800C PCMCIA models are now available for shipment.