Melbourne, FL — (press release excerpt) — Linux software specialist AbsoluteValue Systems Inc. today announced the availability of the latest version of their widely used Linux software package, linux-wlan, for wireless LAN (WLAN), with added support for USB WLAN adapters. USB WLAN adapters are popular with desktop computer users with PCs which do not have a slot for PCMCIA WLAN cards. Also, many embedded systems such as set-top boxes (STBs) have USB interfaces which may now be utilized for WLAN.

The USB interface has become quite popular as an easy way to add peripheral components to computer systems. Commonly used for printers, scanners, and hard drives, the USB interface is also often used for network interface adapters, such as ethernet connections and WLAN modules. However, until now, the USB 802.11 WLAN adapters (also known as Wi-Fi) had no support under the Linux operating system. With this latest release from AbsoluteValue Systems, the Linux community has the option of using the convenient USB wireless adapters.

Many embedded system applications such as the set-top box (STB) will require that the USB WLAN adapter operate in the Access Point mode. AbsoluteValue Systems will also offer a USB version of their AVS WLAN Developer's Kit which will provide a complete Access Point implementation based on a USB wlan adapter. This will be ideal for small-office or home gateway equipment OEMs who already have a product and wish to add Access Point functionality using a USB wlan adapter.

AbsoluteValue Systems will maintain a hardware compatibility list on their web site indicating which USB adapters can be used with the linux-wlan software package.

AbsoluteValue Systems, Inc is a technology solutions company focused on Wireless LAN and embedded systems utilizing the Linux operating system.

 
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