Unique Application of Atheros' Core Technology Achieves Distances Up to 5 Kilometers in Non-Line-of-Sight Terrain

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 9, 2004 – Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, and BroVis Wireless Networks (formerly Air Manage Networks), a global developer and manufacturer of next-generation broadband wireless access systems, today announced their technology collaboration on products that deliver very high-speed outdoor broadband wireless connectivity for the Indian Subcontinent market. BroVis’ new Broadcell solution suite, comprised of the AS1000 Base Station, AC100 Subscriber Unit and WIOS (Wireless Infrastructure Operating System) software, features wireless chipset technology from Atheros.

BroVis’ products are the first to deliver broadband in the fast-growing Indian Subcontinent market using an 802.11 concurrent band architecture over wider distances than traditional systems in rough and challenging Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) terrains. The solution represents a unique application of Atheros' core wireless technology, reaching distances of up to 5 kilometers in NLOS applications and Point-to-Multipoint network configurations, and up to 22 kilometers in Line-of-Sight (LOS) applications.

The BroVis Broadcell products deliver a comprehensive solution for Telcos, service providers and corporate campus network managers, enabling fast deployment and simple integration into existing networks. NLOS capabilities allow operators to reach more customers while reducing overall costs.

The products will initially operate using 802.11b or 802.11g for the Indian Subcontinent region.  In a recent notification, dated August 25, the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications opened up and de-licensed the 2.40-2.48 GHz band in India, allowing the use of 802.11g for certain applications. The BroVis system also includes built-in 802.11a capability that can be easily turned on in the future for increased bandwidth and improved network performance.  

BroVis’ innovative RF systems engineering and WIOS software combined with advanced technology from Atheros enable BroVis to offer the industry’s highest available security based on AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), integrated functionality, and complete infrastructure management capabilities like Quality of Service and advanced Subscriber Management. The Broadcell system also features Atheros Super G® technology, an innovative combination of performance-enhancement features—including packet bursting, fast frames, and data compression—that provide dramatic improvements in throughput and range.

“We’re proud that our technology is helping to power a system that brings wireless connectivity to remote communities in India and elsewhere,” said Colin Macnab, vice president of marketing and business development of Atheros Communications. “This is at the heart of what the wireless revolution is all about and we’re delighted to help enable it.”

According to Muthu Logan, chief executive officer of BroVis Wireless Networks, “We selected Atheros technology as the foundation for our system because their architectural flexibility and programmability allows us to offer leading-edge products, and because their roadmap aligns with our growth strategy.”

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.

About BroVis Wireless Networks

BroVis Wireless Networks is a developer and manufacturer of Next Generation Broadband Wireless Access systems and solutions for outdoor and specialized indoor applications using standards based technology. BroVis provides systems with advanced Radio technology, carrier-class functionality and infrastructure management capabilities that greatly increase the range, speed, reliability, security, and management in challenging Non Line of Sight (NLOS) terrains and harsh industrial settings BroVis Wireless Networks is a Global company headquartered in Cupertino, California, with product development head quarters in Chennai and offices in Bangalore and Mumbai, India. For more information, visit www.brovis.com.

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Atheros, the Atheros logo and Super G 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 statements regarding the collaboration of Atheros and BroVis; anticipated regulatory developments in the Indian Subcontinent; and the features, performance, capabilities and benefits of Atheros’ and BroVis’ products, 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 ability of Atheros and BroVis to continue to collaborate successfully in developing, deploying and marketing products for the Indian Subcontinent market; difficulties in developing products that operate effectively in non-line of sight environments; the rate of growth of the Indian market for wireless communications; the effects of competition in the Indian Subcontinent; future government regulations in the Indian Subcontinent relating to the frequencies in which our products operate; and our ability and the ability of our competitors to continue to develop products that are successful in the Indian markets, and other risks detailed in Atheros’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 as filed with the SEC 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.

For press and analyst inquiries contact: Cheryl Patstone, 408-773-5344, cheryl@atheros.com or Greg Wood, A&R Partners, 650-762-2838, gwood@arpartners.com.