Zoom Lowers Price Point of 802.11 DSSS Wireless Networking
Offers Wireless Network Card for Less Than $200

Boston, MA, September 29, 1999 -- Zoom Telephonics, Inc. has announced a significant reduction in the price of its ZoomAirT Model 4000 and 4005 Wireless Network Interface Cards (NICs).

The estimated retail price of the ZoomAir Model 4000 NIC for PCMCIA slots has been reduced from $299 to $199. The estimated retail price of the Model 4005 for ISA slots has been reduced from $329 to $219.

The Model 4000 PCMCIA format and Model 4005 ISA cards are compliant with the IEEE 802.11 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) standard. They can turn any Windows 95/98 or NT4 PC into a wireless networked station. Configuration options include a wireless network bridged to a wired 10BaseT or 100BaseT Ethernet LAN, or a standalone peer-to-peer Wireless LAN. ZoomAir Model 4000 and 4005 NICs enable peer-to-peer and Ethernet network access at up to 2 Mbps over a range of up to 300 feet indoors and over 1000 feet in outdoor settings.

Zoom has recently begun bundling ZoomAir NICs with new software that simplifies the often challenging task of installing network protocols and "binding" the protocols to wireless network hardware. An Installation Wizard asks the user a series of simply-worded questions about the individual's network installation and recommends default selections. From the answers an installation parameter file is created for use with other PCs installed on the network. This ensures consistent settings across a multi-user LAN.

Zoom's new software includes a configuration utility that allows mobile users to easily change the wireless network with which they are communicating. By selecting a re-scan option in the software, a user can initialize new network settings without rebooting the computer. In addition, a graphic representation of link quality and signal strength helps the user set up and monitor performance when ZoomAir Wireless NICs are used in conjunction with ZoomAir Access Point Software. The ZoomAir Access point Software is priced at $199 estimated retail.

A communications leader since 1977, Zoom designs, produces and markets faxmodems for both PC and Mac platforms, Wireless LAN products, Home Phoneline Networking devices, ISDN products and other products that link people and their personal computers through the world's largest network, the international telephone network, and connected networks including the Internet and corporate local area networks. Zoom Telephonics is publicly traded on NASDAQ (NASDAQ: ZOOM). Zoom products are produced in Boston, Massachusetts and sold worldwide.