Siemens Bows Voice Data Gateway for Wireless Home Networking Using HomeRF

Computers, Laptops, Cordless Phones and More Can All Connect to One Wireless Gateway January 7, 2002 - Siemens Information and Communication Mobile LLC today announced the availability of its new Voice Data Gateway (VDG) product with 2.4GHz HomeRF technology to U.S. carriers, creating a revolutionary new alternative for wireless broadband networking and telephony. The VDG integrates standard voice (POTS) and broadband cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem connections into one reliable device capable of transmitting data up to 10 Mbps to a host of devices and up to eight cordless handsets using the HomeRF 2.0 wireless specification.

The VDG can be combined with a wireless USB adapter for desktop PCs with USB, a PCMCIA card for laptops, and a cordless handset. With this combination of devices, the VDG brings ease of use and total mobility into the home or small office for all types of voice, data and Internet connections. The VDG is capable of handling up to four separate phone lines and numerous high-speed Internet links all operating at the same time without any interruption in service or compromise in voice quality. With a range of up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, consumers can access their voice and data services with no wires from almost anywhere in the house, yard, or small office.

"Consumers expect the latest technologies in home networking to be reliable and easy to use," said Kevin Duffy, vice president of home networking at Siemens Information and Communication Mobile. "Our VDG is a breakthrough product category that offers a compelling value proposition for consumers and carriers alike, allowing for the integration of voice and data services in the home or small office."

Combining four dedicated channels of high quality digital voice with 10 Mbps data transmissions in a single wireless protocol enables an entirely new generation of voice-data applications and services. Flexible and extensible voice-data applications are in development for PCs, Web pads and many other devices in home and small office networks. Service providers, home automation companies and independent software vendors can leverage and expand these applications for advanced services that bring value to customers.

According to Forrester Research, broadband Internet service in the U.S. amounted to 2.8 million subscriptions in 2000, and this figure is expected to jump to 40 million by 2005. Combined with a total cordless phone market reaching some 82 million households in 2001 according to the Consumer Electronics Association, the VDG addresses a significant market segment.

Product Features
The VDG features a small, stylish design that can be wall mounted or sit on a table top. It is available in either a two- or four-line version, with an integrated answering machine if desired. Expandability for up to eight handsets in either the two- or four-line versions is also possible. All VDG packages are shipped with software on CD-ROM that includes an automatic installation wizard, text and interactive user documentation, and support for data applications using Windows 98, 2000, ME and XP. The USB Adapter and PC Card Adapter support Windows 98, 98 SE, ME and 2000. These adapters also feature advanced networking features including network address translation, PPP over Ethernet, IPSec pass-thru and transparent bridging. The VDG, USB Adapter, PC Card Adapter, and handset all feature the following:

• HomeRF 2.0
• 2.4GHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
• 150 feet indoor range
• 300 feet outdoor range

HomeRF Technology Background
HomeRF supports CLASS service features like call waiting, caller ID, forwarding to individual handsets, distinctive ringing, 911 breakthrough and more on an interoperable basis by providing a standard specification designed to move DECT forward to worldwide application with data and streaming media support at 10 Mbps and beyond. HomeRF is the only available wireless home networking standard that provides for simultaneous support of up to eight toll-quality voice connections, eight prioritized streaming media sessions and multiple Internet and network resource connections at broadband speeds.

The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (IC Mobile) offers the complete range of mobile solutions including mobile devices, infrastructure and applications. Devices include mobile phones, wireless modules, mobile organizers and cordless phones as well as products for wireless home networks. The infrastructure portfolio includes GSM, GPRS and 3G mobile network technologies from base stations and switching systems to intelligent networks, e.g. for prepaid services. Mobile Applications cover end-to-end solutions for Messaging, Location Based Services or Mobile Payment. For the fiscal year 2001 (September 30), IC Mobile recorded sales of EUR 11.3 billion and employed 30,730 people worldwide. You can access further information about Siemens IC Mobile on the Internet at http://www.icm.siemens.com.

About Siemens AG
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global electronics and engineering company. It employs some 450,000 people in 193 countries, and reported worldwide sales of more than $74 billion in fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01). The United States is Siemens' largest market, with nearly 80,000 employees and sales of $18.9 billion for fiscal 2001. For more information about Siemens in the U.S., go to www.usa.siemens.com.

SOURCE Siemens