MANHASSET, N.Y. — Intel Corp. will use IEEE 802.11b in its next-generation AnyPoint wireless-LAN products, due out in the third quarter, instead of the HomeRF 2.0 wireless-LAN standard, in a move that some analysts said could threaten the future of HomeRF. Intel — along with Compaq, Motorola and Siemens — had been one of the main proponents of that home-networking standard.
An Intel spokesperson cited several reasons for backing away from the 10-Mbit/second 2.0 spec, including uncertainty over when the standard would be ready for the market and a surprisingly fast penetration of 802.11b nets into the home.
Nevertheless, the company said it will continue to support HomeRF 1.0 products and technology, and will continue to take an active role in the HomeRF Working Group.
