The
Apple AirPort Base Station is actually the equivalent to a stripped-down
computer with a 56k
modem, 10Mbps
Ethernet Card, and a Lucent/Orinoco
WaveLAN Silver
PCMCIA card, all packed into a flying-saucer shaped case less than 1 foot in diameter.
The AirPort card available for Apple
laptops and
iMacs is simply a re-branded Lucent/Orinoco card that uses the computer's built-in
antenna that is located around the screen.
The Lucent cards used are the same ones marketed for
PC's.
This information was obtained from a Lucent representative at Networld+Interop Atlanta 2000. Verity of all above statements depends upon that individual's knowledge of their product.