2. SMC Networks

SMC didn't announce anything new at the show, but had an assortment of its products on display in their private room at the LVCC, including its SMCWAA-B - EZ-Stream 11Mbps Wireless Audio Adapter (shown at left). But most of our discussion focused on SMC's business and networking industry trends.

SMC remains committed to Conexant's PRISM chipset for its 11g products, which currently support only Nitro (vs. the newer Nitro XM) throughput-enhancement technology. But unlike other vendors, SMC doesn't have speed enhancement as its primary consumer wireless product focus.

SMC's Vice President Tom Rizol explained that they've had good response to their SMC2532W-B 11b High Power Wireless PC Card, SMC2536W-AG High Power A/G Wireless Cardbus Adapter and line of higher gain antennas for its wireless access points, routers and bridges and plan to do more in this area.

Rizol explained that focusing on wireless range improvement serves their customers better because it solves a problem that many wireless product consumers have. The company plans to continue to pursue this approach.