Custom driver developer OrangeWare Inc. has announced the development of a wireless networking driver for Mac OS X that it hopes will bring makers of wireless networking hardware to the Mac market.
The new driver supports the latest draft of the IEEE 802.11g specification. IEEE 802.11g is a new wireless networking standard that provides the capability to transfer data at up to 54Mbps. IEEE 802.11g is downwardly compatible with the more common 802.11b interface used by older AirPort-equipped Macs and many PCs.
Apple has already introduced the standard in its new AirPort Extreme products, which require a different interface than the “standard” AirPort card slot available in so many Macs. Other vendors have also released products that support the 802.11g draft specification, which is expected to be ratified by the IEEE next month.
The driver was created to address the absence of Mac-specific 802.11g support from third party vendors, according to OrangeWare. Manufacturers interested in licensing the driver are encouraged to contact OrangeWare’s Amir Biagi by e-mail or by calling 714.779.6436 x203.