Hewlett-Packard this week said it will adopt 802.11 wireless silicon from Texas Instruments in a push to make its PCs easier to relocate.
Although 802.11 is generally thought of as a technology to allow notebook users to roam among wired networks, HP intends to include it in commercial desktops to cut down on wiring costs and allow users to easily shift offices.
Texas Instruments will supply HPs commercial desktops with 802.11b technology, in conjunction with the Cisco Compatible Extensions program, a program that tests products for interoperability with the Cisco AirOne network.
The HP spokesman said, for now, HPs notebooks division will use silicon from other providers, including Intel and Atheros, but that both HPs notebooks and desktops would work to be compliant with the Cisco Compatible program.
The spokesman did not say which HP desktop models would receive the 802.11 technology, nor whether it would be integrated or appear on an add-on card or other connection.
“The PC space is a key part of our WLAN strategy, and this announcement with HP is our first public step in this market space,” said Marc Cetto, general manager of TIs Wireless Networking Business Unit, in a statement. “By offering high performance, full interoperability and cost effective Wi-Fi technology, TI is providing HP with a leading WLAN solution to expand 802.11 offerings on their line of commercial PCs.”