Cirrus' 802.11b Wireless Networking Toys

It may be a little early for New Years resolutions, but in 2002, I've sworn to my family that I will network the house so that my home office machine isn't the only one hooked up to the DSL line. It's just one of those things that keep getting put off, like cleaning the garage and getting my old VW bus on the road again. Wireless is looking more attractive as the prices come down (slowly) but it's still no where near as cheap as running a few cables. However, companies putting out more wireless networking products is a good thing because competition tends to drive prices down. Cirrus Logic is getting fully into the wireless networking act with its Bodega wireless LAN suite of products. The Bodega platform uses the Whitecap2 802.11b network protocol, which Cirrus says is developed to meet the needs of the home, rather than the enterprise. Whitecap2 incorporates home-oriented technology like support for high-fidelity entertainment content (MPEG-2 video and CD-quality audio), built-in resistance from common household gadgets like microwave ovens and cordless phones, and consumer-oriented features. Whitecap2 also supports wireless consumer devices like networked set-tops, digital video recorders, residential gateways, wireless MP3 players, mobile web pads, and digital audio and video jukeboxes. The Bodega wireless LAN platform includes Cirrus' new CS22200 Series Network Controllers, the CS22210 Wireless PCI/USB Controller, CS22220 Wireless PCMCIA Controller, CS22230 Wireless Mini PCI Controller, CS22250 Wireless 10BT Controller, and CS22270 Wireless Multi-Link Controller. The platform also includes Cirrus' radio reference designs. Cirrus will be showing off Bodega at COMDEX in Las Vegas, November 12-16. I hope that Cirrus remembers that one of the key differentiators between consumer and enterprise products has to be price. Otherwise, I'll have to clean the garage and do the brakes on the bus.