Buffalo offers 'G' extender, USB adapter

Buffalo Technology announced two new products today in the 802.11g wireless LAN space -- a wireless range extender and a USB 2.0 wireless adapter for desktops.

The range extender, also known as a compact bridge access point, lets a user extend the range of their 802.11g network to places where the regular access point doesn't reach, Buffalo officials said. The device has an Ethernet port on it, but that is only needed to configure the device to the network. After it is configured to the wireless network, only a power source is needed. Buffalo officials said the device was expected to launch on July 4, for a retail price of $149 (street price expected around $99).

The USB 2.0 wireless adapter is expected to be available in August (possibly July), Buffalo said. The $179 adapter will let desktop users connect via USB 2.0 to an 802.11g network. In addition, an external antenna connector is available for the adapter.

Buffalo officials also said that they are working on a combination 802.11a, b and g notebook card, as well as other combo products (router, switch, USB adapters, etc.), and to look for them around September.