ANAHEIM, CA  FEBRUARY 19, 2002- Compex, distinguished rising leader in the networking and connectivity industry, reveals that there is another critical feature in the Compex NetPassage 16. In addition to the unique 'Pseudo-VLAN' security feature it offers, the Compex NetPassage 16 also possesses shrewd "transparent bridging" capability.

Already, since its market debut less than 4 weeks ago, the Compex NetPassage 16 has caught the attention of major industry publications and experts for its unique 'Pseudo-VLAN' feature. The second efficacious "transparent-bridging" feature is sure to be another winning highlight of the product, which should not go unnoticed by networking enthusiasts--though amateurs may stand a chance to miss this nifty feature.

As a standard feature, the NetPassage 16 can be set in two modes, Access Point mode (AP mode) or Client mode. When in AP mode, the NetPassage 16 bridges the wireless to the wired LAN segment. Naturally, in AP mode, a user can connect to other wireless clients, such as PCs with wireless NICs as the NP16 acts as the "bridging" mechanism. When in Client mode, a user can connect their PC to a wireless network by connecting the PC's Ethernet port directly to the LAN Ethernet port of the Compex NetPassage 16. So too, in this mode, the PC is connected to the wireless network with the NP16 acting as the "bridge."

Not only does the NetPassage 16 offer standard "bridging" capability described above, it offers "transparent-bridging" capability, which is a far more advanced application of the NP16 as an AP client. Because of the NP16's 128 MAC address support both ways (wired to wireless and wireless to wired), the NP16 is capable of connecting not just one client, but one entire wired network to another entirely separate wired network through a wireless link. Essentially, this means that a user can connect the wired networks of two different buildings by pointing one NP16 unit in one building to another NP16 unit in the other building through a window. This application is what Compex has loosely coined "wireless bridging" or "transparent bridging."

The implications of such an application is staggering. Only imagination, ingenuity, and perhaps vertigo can limit the ways in which the NP16 can be incorporated into a network solution--be if for the office or home. The little Compex NetPassage 16 offers an array of solid features, plus a couple of very unique ones--and all at a price that seems absurdly affordable. A bundle for the Compex NetPassage 16 and a Compex Wireless LAN Card is available now through Buy.com or Shopping4sure.com for $159.95.

COMPEX is a distinguished, market-driven leader in the networking and wireless connectivity industry. Compex designs, develops, and manufacturers integrative end-user and enterprise level products to fulfill broadband, wireless LAN, HomePNA, and irdaNet solution needs. Compex seeks to address and fulfill market demands with relevant and innovative solutions. Compex products are available through a large network of distributors, resellers, on/off line retailers, and catalogs. Further information on Compex products can be found at http://www.cpx.com.

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