Socket Communications plans to provide 802.1x support for its Wireless LAN CompactFlash card, enabling authentication at both client and server levels for Pocket PCs and other mobile devices.

According to the company, support for 802.1x security features lessens the vulnerabilities associated with IEEE 802.11 wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology by enabling standard authentication security protocols (EAP/TLS, PEAP), centralized user identification, dynamic key management and accounting.

Socket said its enhanced Mobile WLAN Tools software will also include support for Microsoft XP, ME, 2K, and Windows 98 operating systems as well as enable users to set a variety of profiles, such as ones for the office, home and Hot Spots such as those found at Starbucks and airports.

Socket’s Wireless LAN CompactFlash card costs $169. The company said Current owners of Socket’s WLAN card can download the new, enhanced software at no charge from the Socket website beginning in late January.