Used in conjunction with a wireless PC Card, 3com's Ethernet Client Bridge provides effortless wired-to-wireless bridging. A 5-volt Wi-Fi certified PC Card fits into the device. A Windows/Linux configuration utility walks you through the set-up procedure. After this one-time configuration, you simply plug the Client Bridge into any PC or other device equipped with either an RJ-45 Ethernet port or a serial connector, and you're ready for wireless networking. Dynamic rate shifting and load balancing ensures reliable network access and optimal data rates. Support for 40- or 128-bit WEP encryption guarantees the security of your wireless transmissions. Please note that encryption and load balancing features apply only when this adapter is used with 3Com's AirConnect PC Cards and wireless Access Points.The Ethernet Client Bridge gives you the flexibility to connect however you need to. For high-performance connections, you can access a wired LAN through the unit's RJ-45 connector with wireless transfer speeds up to 11Mbps. You can also connect computers, printers, gaming devices or other peripherals to the network through the Bridge's serial port. Serial connections up to 115.2Kbps are supported. In Ad hoc mode, you can access other wireless clients' machines without using an Access Point. Infrastructure mode enables widespread network access via one or more wireless Access Points. minimize