Linksys, a leading global manufacturer of broadband, wireless and networking hardware, has teamed with high-speed Internet service provider Ricochet Networks, to produce the Linksys Ricochet Router. The new router allows Ricochet to deliver affordable ($44.95 per month) high-speed, wire-free Internet access to network users in the home and small office.
Ricochet, which went belly up a few years ago was bought by Aerie Networks, a privately held, broadband services company based in Denver, Colorado. It uses the unlicensed 2.4 Ghz band for node to node connections and the unlicensed 900 Mhz band for end-user connections.
Users can attach an 802.11 access point, to the Linksys Ricochet Router or they can hook as many as four computers through four 10/100M bps ports in the router. The maximum speed of Ricochet is about 176 Kbps.
Ricochet’s wireless Internet service allows subscribers to surf the Web or access LAN files from anywhere in Ricochet service areas. It also serves as a high-speed alternative to dial-up connections for computer users who do not have access to cable or DSL service. The Ricochet network operates at speeds four times faster than dial-up Internet over its own proprietary Micro Cellular Data Network, which uses Virtual Private Network (VPN) capability to offer premier network security.
Ricochet is currently offering the router for $119.95 to customers in Denver and San Diego. It is sold online at www.ricochet.com or from the Ricochet retailers.
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