Intel has introduced a dual-band 802.11a/b wireless LAN (WLAN) adapter for its Centrino laptop technology. The move means firms will be able to buy Centrino-branded systems compatible with both WLAN standards. The first Centrino models only offered 802.11b support.

The Intel Pro/Wireless 2100A adapter, which is set to ship in laptops within the next few weeks, supports both the 802.11a and 802.11b WLAN standards. Support for 802.11a allows data transfer speeds up to a theoretical 54Mbit/s, while 802.11b tops out at 11Mbit/s.

The 802.11a protocol also supports more user connections on each WLAN access point than 802.11b, Intel said, which could cut infrastructure costs for firms with many staff using wireless connections.

"The addition of 802.11a to Intel Centrino mobile technology provides a wireless networking solution for applications that require higher levels of performance," said Jim Johnson, vice president of Intel's Wireless Networking Group. The new dual-mode adapter is expected to add little to the price of a Centrino laptop.

To qualify as a Centrino model, a laptop must be based on an Intel Pentium M chip with the companion 855 mobile chipset and an Intel Pro/Wireless WLAN adapter. When the Centrino brand launched in March, Intel's sole adapter was the Pro/Wireless 2100 that offers only 802.11b support.

Laptops with a Pentium M chip and third-party 802.11a/b adapter already ship, but these cannot be branded as Centrino under Intel's licensing rules. However, many firms have standardised on kit from vendors such as Cisco to avoid compatibility problems.