Motorola claims that its dual-band Wi-Fi card, WDE1000, is the industry's first 2.4 GHz and 4.9 GHz Wi-Fi card for municipal-wide and ad hoc wireless connectivity. The standards-based wireless device enabler (WDE) card provides first responders with Wi-Fi connectivity on both the unlicensed 802.11b/g 2.4 GHz frequency and the licensed 4.9 GHz public safety frequency. The WDE1000 card improves the ability to tap into high bandwidth applications like web browsing, live streaming video, telemetry and mission-critical databases in the field at full broadband speeds. The card is the latest addition to Motorola's MOTOMESH multi-radio broadband solutions portfolio.

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"Motorola's Wi-Fi card has tremendous 802.11 range and will allow us to stay connected while on patrol," said Tom Vallely, police department corporal for the city of Tulsa, Okla.. "It will allow us to tap into mission -critical, high-bandwidth applications, turning patrol cars into mobile offices."

The WDE1000 card enables users to extend current networks or even form their own ad hoc network establishing fast, peer-to-peer communications even in places where there is no network infrastructure. The unique internal antenna configuration, external diversity antenna support, and higher-than-average power output offer enhanced range and robust network connectivity for public safety users.

"The high-performance WDE1000 is not just another Wi-Fi card. It packs high-power, advanced antenna technology and dual-band support into an industry-standard PC card. Users can choose to get robust connectivity to either the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band or the licensed 4.9 GHz band within a MOTOMESH network," said Nick Rendone, vice president of Motorola's Data Solutions Operation.

Using the WDE1000 card within a MOTOMESH network, which supports up to four radio networks in a single access point, simplifies complete municipal-wide wireless connectivity by offering users a choice of frequencies in a single card. Users can also use the WDE1000 to connect to the thousands of Wi-Fi hot spots around the world when they travel outside of their home jurisdictions or leave MOTOMESH network coverage. Overall, its advanced technology allows users to benefit from extended range, more robust connections and higher data rates compared to consumer and even enterprise-grade Wi-Fi cards.

"The installation was very easy, and the modem's performance is excellent" said Kevin Shoemaker, communications infrastructure manager for the city of Tulsa. "With WDE1000, we will be able to more effectively expand our MOTOMESH network, providing secure, broadband wireless connectivity to our public safety personnel."