Intel today introduced the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N network connection, an upgrade to the wireless component found inside Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology and other Intel-based laptops that helps consumers better connect to wireless networks.

Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology offers users up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range ? while providing up to an extra hour of notebook battery life when compared to existing Draft-N products.

In addition, Intel said it has initiated the "Connect with Centrino" program. Through this program, Intel has worked with access point (AP) vendors including Asus, Belkin, Buffalo, D-Link and Netgear to better ensure compatibility and performance. Intel's wireless-N product is certified to work with multiple APs and as these AP's successfully pass Intel's real-world testing certification criteria, they will display a "Connect with Centrino" identifier on their product packaging, allowing consumers a choice for connecting with more confidence.

The new wireless-N technology improves the home network experience ? especially when multiple people access their wireless network simultaneously and enjoy bandwidth consuming applications such as audio and video entertainment. Intel's Next-Gen Wireless-N product reduces "dead spots" in the home; optimizes high-definition (HD) entertainment experiences such as streaming HD movies; improves battery life and provides the benefit of working with existing 802.11 a/b/g access points.

Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology as well as the "Connect with Centrino" identifier will be delivered in conjunction with new notebook computers powered by Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology from OEMs such as Acer, Asus, Gateway and Toshiba that are being distributed with Microsoft Windows Vista beginning in late January and other OEMs to follow.