Netopia
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer networking hardware |
| Predecessor | Farallon Computing, Inc. |
| Founded | 1986 in Berkeley, California, United States |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Fate | Acquired by Motorola |
| Successor | Motorola |
| Headquarters | Emeryville, California , United States |
Area served | United States, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, France, Philippines |
| Products | Bridges, repeaters, switches, modems, routers, gateways, wireless networking equipment, Timbuktu software, MacRecorder audio tool |
| Parent | Motorola (from 2007) |
Netopia, Inc., originally known as Farallon Computing, Inc., was a U.S.-based firm specializing in computer networking hardware, offering products such as bridges, repeaters, switches, modems, routers, gateways, and wireless networking equipment. Under the Farallon name, the company created the Timbuktu remote management software along with the MacRecorder audio capture tool for Macintosh systems, which was eventually sold to Macromedia. The company was at the forefront of several technological advancements:
- PhoneNet represented a commercial adaptation of a 1986 Berkeley Macintosh Users Group (BMUG) project, enabling AppleTalk communication over conventional telephone wiring and standardized structured cabling systems (EIA-TIA 568A/B).
- Introduced in 1988, StarController comprised a series of LocalTalk and Ethernet bridges and switches designed for compatibility with structured cabling infrastructures.
- EtherWave was a serial-to-Ethernet adapter powered through the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), facilitating direct Ethernet connectivity for early Macintosh computers and LaserWriter printers. Subsequent models supported full 10 Mbps speeds via Apple's AAUI port.
- AirDock functioned as a Serial-to-Infrared Data Association (IrDA) gateway, allowing devices using LocalTalk to transmit data wirelessly over infrared networks.
To expand its presence in the home networking sector, Netopia acquired companies such as Cayman and DoBox, Inc. in 2002. DoBox, founded by Nicole Toomey Davis, Bradley Davis, and Matt Smith, added its acclaimed Family Firewall and Home Server Gateway solutions to Netopia’s product lineup.
History
Founded in 1986 in Berkeley, Farallon Computing later relocated its main office to Emeryville. The company adopted the Netopia name in 1998.
In early 2007, Netopia was purchased by Motorola, bolstering Motorola’s strategy in the connected home market.
Netopia’s modem products gained widespread adoption among Internet service providers such as AT&T, Sonic.net, and Covad within the United States; eircom in Ireland; Swisscom in Switzerland; NextGenTel in Norway; as well as multiple French providers including France Télécom, Cegetel RSS, B3G Telecom, Nerim, Easynet, Claranet, and Magic Online.
In the Philippines, Digital Paradise launched Netopia operations in 1996. However, the brand discontinued activities in 2019 due to diminishing demand for internet cafes and divestment by IP E-Games Ventures.