IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SMC Networks, a leading provider of advanced, high performance networking solutions for the SMB and enterprise markets, today announced the availability of the EliteConnect(tm) 2.4GHz 802.11g Wireless Hotspot Gateway (SMCWHSG14-G). The SMCWHSG14-G is a multi-functional, manageable, all-in-one hotspot solution designed to make it easy and affordable for businesses of all sizes, including coffee shops, Internet cafes, hotel lobbies, exhibition areas, and small- to medium-sized transportation centers, to provide secure, password-protected Internet access to customers either as a value-added service or to generate additional revenue.

The SMCWHSG14-G, which provides a secure Internet gateway for up to 100 simultaneous wireless and wired users through an integrated four-port 10/100Mbps LAN switch and 802.11g wireless access point, incorporates a Web-based management interface and setup wizard for easy step-by-step configuration. To protect the network from unauthorized access, the SMCWHSG14-G features a comprehensive security feature set which includes a NAT firewall, MAC address filtering, 64- and 128-bit WEP and WPA encryption and robust Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) services for both wired and wireless clients.

The desktop and wall-mountable SMCWHSG14-G supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) eliminating the need for a separate power supply and providing users with the flexibility to place the gateway in locations, such as above drop ceilings, where AC power outlets are not available. An included POS printer supports ticket and receipt printing and enables users to incorporate flexible billing methods by connecting to a variety of common Internet-based payment gateways. Customizable log-on and log-off pages, combined with a portal page and advertisement URL link enable users to brand their businesses by enabling the use of a variety of marketing tools to touch every customer that accesses the network.

``The proliferation of Internet-based applications into nearly every aspect of our personal and business lives has generated the demand, and quite often the need, to be able to access the Internet whenever we need it from wherever we are in the world,'' explained Keith Alexis, vice president of sales for SMC Networks. ``For owners of businesses of all sizes, this means that providing public access to the Internet can be an incredibly powerful marketing tool, enabling them to not only draw customers to their businesses, but to keep them there for extended periods of time. From a value-add standpoint, providing this capability to patrons without charge can build loyalty and generate return business. From a revenue enhancement strategy, the need for customers to access a fast Internet connection can generate new income with a rapid ROI. This new Wireless Hotspot Gateway is an ideal solution for SMB and enterprise users alike combining the ease-of-use and setup for smaller businesses with the extensive enterprise-class feature set, including AAA that larger companies demand.''

About the EliteConnect 2.4GHz 802.11g Wireless Hotspot Gateway (SMCWHSG14-G)

The SMC EliteConnect 2.4GHz 802.11g Wireless Hotspot Gateway (SMCWHSG14-G) is a complete, easy-to-deploy wireless hotspot solution which provides a secure gateway to the Internet for up to 100 simultaneous users, provides high-speed wireless access within the LAN, supports Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) services for wired or wireless clients, and includes an external point-of-sale ticket printer and keypad to enable easy, flexible billing for Internet access.

The SMCWHSG14-G, which features a built-in 802.11g wireless access point that supports data rates up to 54Mbps, incorporates a four-port 10/100Mbps switch and one 10/100Mbps WAN connection with PoE support. The Wireless Hotspot Gateway features dual detachable 2dBi diversity antennas with reverse SMA and supports SMC's family of EliteConnect high-gain directional and omni-directional antennas to extend and enhance wireless coverage. A robust management feature set includes: web-based management, remote authorized management, real-time session list, LAN device management, syslog (system/subscriber/LAN device), e-mail logs, SNMP v1/v2 (MIB II, private MIB), and status reporting (daily, monthly, system, network).

In addition to a host of security features which includes Layer 2 isolation security, SSL administration, VPN pass-through (IPSec/PPTP), pass-through IP/MAC/URL address, and PPTP VPN client, the SMCWHSG14-G provides Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) services which are supported via 802.1x/RADIUS client and server devices. For smaller businesses without a RADIUS server, the SMCWHSG14-G supports an internal database of up to 512 entries.

A variety of marketing tools provided in the SMCWHSG14-G include: customizable log-on and log-off pages and portal page, the ability to add an advertisement URL link, Walled Garden to control access to web content and services, and WISPr Smart Client.

The SMCWHSG14-G comes complete with an external point-of-sale ticket printer/keypad enabling users to print tickets for temporary users that only need the fractal time for Internet access. In addition, important client information such as logon username and password, SSID, security method and encryption keys can be printed on the ticket. The POS printer enables easy-to-use, flexible billing methods and provides connection to common payment gateways such as Authorize.net, iValidate.net, Secure Pay or easy Credit Card payment, and PayPal over the Internet.

The SMC EliteConnect 2.4GHz 802.11g Wireless Hotspot Gateway (SMCWHSG14-G) is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support, and is available worldwide via leading e-commerce sites and value-added resellers at a retail price in the U.S. of $899.

About SMC Networks

SMC Networks is a leading provider of affordable, easy-to-use, high-performance networking solutions for the consumer, small- and medium-sized businesses, and enterprise markets. With a global presence that supports customers throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, SMC leverages its heritage of over 35 years to deliver to market a level of quality, reliability and technological advancement that has established it as one of the premier network companies in the industry.

Since 2003, SMC has maintained a Green portfolio of networking products demonstrating its commitment to the environment at a very early stage. In 2008, Instat confirmed SMC's commitment to go beyond cursory attempts at power management when it stated that SMC was one of the top five most energy efficient in the 24/48 port managed switch category. SMC's Green Policy is a key component of the company's core strength that can be leveraged by its install base.

SMC Networks is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.smc.com or call (800) SMC-4YOU.

SMC Networks, EliteConnect and the SMC Networks logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SMC Networks in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

          Integrity Public Relations
          Ken Hagihara, Media Relations Representative
          (949) 768-4423 x801
          ken@integritypr.net