Press Release

WildPackets Ships 802.11a-Compliant AiroPeek and AiroPeek NX WLAN Analyzers

NIC Support, Expert Diagnoses, Protocol Decoding Enhancements

Walnut Creek, CA - September 10, 2002

WildPackets Inc., industry-leaders in packet analysis software development, training and support, today released 802.11a-compliant upgrades for their wireless LAN analyzers. Enhanced VoIP reporting, 152-bit and user-defined length WEP keys, expanded decoders, and broadened expert diagnoses are included.

IEEE 802.11a is rapidly gaining widespread market acceptance. Operating in the 5GHz portion of the spectrum, 802.11a provides increased data rates and eight non-overlapping channels, making it more desirable than 802.11b in congested user areas.

Since shipping AiroPeek, the first full-featured, affordable 802.11b WLAN analyzer, in February 2001, WildPackets continues to enhance their wireless tool. Earlier this year, WildPackets released AiroPeek NX, the expert version of the software. When the IEEE 802.11a standard was approved, WildPackets began development to add 802.11a support to both AiroPeek versions.

Atheros 802.11a Chipset-based NIC Support

In addition to a broad range of 802.11b NICs, support has been added for several 802.11a wireless adapters, including Proxim's Harmony and Skyline cards. "Proxim was pleased to work with WildPackets to provide support for our 802.11a Cardbus cards in AiroPeek, not only because we wanted our customers to have easy access to the software, but because we recognize the importance of good management tools in the rapid adoption and deployment of wireless networks," said Lynn Lucas, Director of Marketing for Proxim's LAN Division.

Other supported 802.11a wireless adapters include Intel, NetGear, D-Link, SMC, and Sony. Specific cards, model numbers, and system requirements can be found at http://www.wildpackets.com/products/.

AiroPeek NX

WildPackets' focus is on developing sophisticated, yet cost-effective tools that satisfy the stringent requirements of a varied professional IT community.

Increased network complexity and tight budgets, coupled with the demand for increased reliability, has focused attention on network tools and their ability to deliver relevant troubleshooting, ROI, and management visibility. Today's network and packet analysis tools must be able to keep up with the demands of emerging and convergent technologies, as well as be affordable and easy-to-use. They must be able to diagnose relevant problems associated with today's networks and common applications, and display the results in an intuitive way.

"WildPackets has, for nearly thirteen years, provided excellent network tools at reasonable prices and organizations of all sizes have taken notice," states Mahboud Zabetian, WildPackets' President and CEO. "According to many of our large enterprise customers, the need for solid network management tools continues, but the days of the million-dollar software license for these tools are over. WildPackets' NX software, our fair and sustainable pricing model, and our support and service programs reflect the requirements of today's IT community. Our continued growth reflects the strength of this message."

AiroPeek Pricing

Complete product information is available from http://www.wildpackets.com/products/. AiroPeek perpetual license with 12 months of product maintenance is $1,495.00 USD. AiroPeek NX perpetual license with 12 months of product maintenance is $3,495.00 USD. Product maintenance owners receive the 802.11a-compliant upgrade for free.

About WildPackets Inc.

Since 1990, WildPackets has been developing affordable tools designed to simplify the complex tasks associated with maintaining and optimizing computer networks. WildPackets' patented "Peek" technology has long been the recognized standard for network monitoring and analysis in the SMB market, and is now the new acknowledged leader in network protocol analysis for the Enterprise. Our products are sold in over 50 countries through a broad network of channel and strategic partners. Customers include Cisco Systems, Agilent, D-Link, Microsoft, Siemens AG, Unisys, Motorola, and others. Strategic partners include Agere Systems, Atheros Communications, 3Com, Intel, Proxim, SysKonnect, Symbol Technologies, and Chevin. Information on the company, products, and partners is available at www.wildpackets.com.