Atheros Introduces First USB 2.0
WLAN Chips with Super G® and Super AG® Technology
Fully Integrated USB 2.0 Interface Connects Desktop
PCs, Notebook PCs, and a Wide Range of Consumer Electronics Devices to
High-Performance Wireless Networks
SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 3, 2004—Atheros
Communications (Nasdaq: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN
(WLAN) chipsets, today introduced the Atheros AR5005UG and AR5005UX, featuring a
completely integrated universal serial bus (USB) 2.0 interface. Using these new
chipsets, WLAN equipment manufacturers can deliver high-performance 802.11g and
802.11a/g wireless connectivity with Atheros’ Super G and Super AG® adaptive
bandwidth technology to any device with a USB port.
In addition to connecting desktop and laptop PCs,
USB 2.0 support enables a new class of wirelessly connected products. This new
WLAN application class includes digital video recorders (DVRs), high-quality
video conferencing cameras, high-resolution scanners, and high-density storage
devices. Any device that has a USB 2.0 port can now access a high-performance
802.11g or 802.11a/g wireless network using an Atheros-based wireless USB
product.
Atheros is also introducing industry-leading
small-form-factor reference designs based on the AR5005UG and AR5005UX. These
designs measure only 2.57 inches by 0.96 inches and substantially reduce the
number of discrete components required for implementation.
“Atheros is committed to introducing new
products that enhance the wireless user experience,” said Colin Macnab, vice
president of marketing and business development for Atheros. “By making wireless
an easy upgrade option to any device through a USB port, we’re enabling our
customers to offer high-performance wireless capabilities in a wider array of
their products.”
Like Atheros’ existing WLAN solutions, the
AR5005UG and AR5005UX support the latest WLAN security standards in hardware,
without performance reduction. These hardware-supported standards include Wi-Fi
Protected Access (WPA ) and 802.11i Enhanced Security using Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES). In contrast, competing wireless LAN products with
firmware encryption can suffer a 20-50 percent performance reduction when WPA or
AES is enabled. The AR5005UG and AR5005UX also support Cisco Compatible
Extensions (CCX).
To facilitate the
convergence of voice, video, and data communications on wireless networks, the
AR5005UG and AR5005UX support the Wireless Media Extensions (WME) Quality of
Service (QoS) capabilities defined in the IEEE 802.11e draft standard. For even
greater performance, these chips feature Atheros’ Super G
and Super AG® technology, utilizing adaptive bandwidth technology to deliver over
60 Mbps of performance-on-demand throughput based on channel availability.
The chips also support Atheros eXtended Range™
(XR) operation, which enables connections
at greater distances from the access point where signals are otherwise too weak
to connect.
Atheros AR5005UG and AR5005UX
availability
Atheros is currently sampling the AR5005UG and
AR5005UX to its customers. Products based on the AR5005UG and AR5005UX are
expected to begin shipping in the third quarter.
About Atheros Communications,
Inc.
Atheros Communications is a leading developer of
semiconductor system solutions for wireless communications products. Atheros
combines its wireless systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency,
mixed signal and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly
integrated chipsets that are manufacturable on low-cost, standard complementary
metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is being used by
a broad base of leading customers, including personal computer and networking
equipment manufacturers. For more information, visit
www.atheros.com/ or send email to
info@atheros.com.
# # #
Atheros, the Atheros logo, Atheros eXtended Range, Super G and
Super AG® are trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. All other trademarks
mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS:
Except for the historical information contained
herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including the features,
performance, capabilities and benefits of Atheros’ AR5005UG and AR5005UX
chipsets, and the expected availability, production and shipping time of these
chipsets and the products incorporating these chipsets, are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited
to, the impact of competitive products and technological advances, manufacturing
difficulties, difficulties in development of enhanced and new products, Atheros’
ability to market the AR5005UG and AR5005UX
chipsets and ship in volume, and other risks detailed in Atheros’ Prospectus
dated February 11, 2004 as filed with the SEC and from time to time in Atheros’
SEC filings. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof.
Atheros disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Cheryl Patstone, 408-773-5344, cheryl@atheros.com
or Greg Wood, A&R Partners, 650-762-2838,
gwood@arpartners.com.
