Atheros Introduces Highest-Performance XSPAN Dual-Concurrent Wireless Router Solution

New Chipset Delivers Ultimate Networking Experience for Simultaneous Operation of High-Bandwidth 802.11n Applications

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 3, 2007 — Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless solutions, today announced the launch of its highest performance 802.11n solution to date. The AR5008AP-3NX2 chipset, combines Atheros XSPAN® draft 802.11n technology with the industry’s most powerful Wireless Network Processor Unit (WNPU), the Atheros AR7161. The chipset’s concurrent operation in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless LAN (WLAN) frequency bands delivers up to 600 megabits-per-second (Mbps) aggregate physical data rates and the flexibility to segregate application content into the channels that provide the best user experience.

The AR5008AP-3NX2 targets Atheros’ retail, SOHO and enterprise networking customers that want to provide the highest wireless throughput, coverage and capacity. With up to 27 non-overlapping channels, end users can run numerous WLAN applications simultaneously while avoiding interference which often plagues networks operating solely in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The combined 2.4 and 5 GHz channel capacity supports uninterrupted, jitter-free transmission of multimedia applications.

Home networks can maximize bandwidth capacity and avoid interference by segregating applications across the two frequency bands. With only three channels, the 2.4 GHz band is subject to high levels of congestion from legacy 802.11b/g products and interference from microwave ovens, cordless phones and Bluetooth® devices. As such, the 2.4 GHz band is well-suited for applications less sensitive to bandwidth limitations and interference: Internet data traffic, streaming MP3s and wireless printing. The 5 GHz band with 24 channels, fewer legacy devices and virtually no interferers, is ideal for high-bandwidth, latency-sensitive applications that require uninterrupted throughput: HD video streaming, VoIP calls and multi-player online gaming.

The Microsoft Windows Vista™ operating system advocates use of dual-concurrent networks and the allocation of applications onto separate frequency bands based on throughput requirement, latency-sensitivity and interference in the network. In order for retail network routers to earn the Windows Vista Premium Certification logo, they must offer dual-concurrent operation, thus assuring users of the optimal home networking experience.

“Wireless LANs liberated the Internet data experience. Users now want to enjoy their video, photos, audio and voice with the same freedom,” said Todd Antes, vice president of marketing for Atheros. “Our new XSPAN dual-concurrent AP/ router chipset is the foundation for the next-generation home media networking experience.”

The Atheros AR5008AP-3NX2 chipset consists of dual AR5416 MAC/baseband ICs, the AR2133 and AR5133 radios and the AR7161 wireless network processor. The solution is based on Atheros’ XSPAN with Signal-Sustain Technology, the unique 3x3 MIMO architecture that achieves significantly greater connection reliability and coverage. In addition to delivering superior 802.11n system performance, the AR7161 features dual 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports, dual USB 2.0 and additional interfaces for video, audio and voice applications. For more details about the AR7161 WNPU, please see the Atheros press release, “Atheros Launches Market-Leading Wireless Network Processor for Ultimate 802.11n Networking,” at: AR7100.

Atheros has unmatched expertise in delivering high-performance 5 GHz solutions, having pioneered the industry’s first 5 GHz and dual-band 2.4/5 GHz WLAN chipsets. The company has developed eight generations of 5 GHz market-proven solutions adopted by leading retail networking and enterprise customers worldwide. Atheros remains the No. 1 supplier of chipsets for dual-band APs and routers. Atheros now leverages this deep experience to deliver the highest performance dual-concurrent solution for 802.11n.

Product Availability

The AR5008AP-3NX2 chipset is currently sampling to key customers. For more information on these products please visit www.atheros.com. Atheros will showcase its complete line of 802.11n solutions at the 2007 International CES in Las Vegas next week at booth #36524.

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 (RF), 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, networking equipment and handset manufacturers. For more information, visit www.atheros.com or send email to info@atheros.com.

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Atheros, the Atheros logo, XSPAN and Signal Sustain Technology are trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding the features, performance, competitiveness and benefits of Atheros' XSPAN and AR7100 products, and the anticipated growth of the 802.11n networking market, 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, difficulties in development and manufacture of new products and upgraded products, unforeseen problems in the performance of the products upon broad deployment, general market conditions, the effects of competition and technological change, and other risks detailed in Atheros' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other reports filed with the SEC by Atheros from time to time. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Atheros disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.