Atheros 802.11a/b/g Chipset Supports High-Quality Wi-Fi Voice Applications

NETWORLD+INTEROP, LAS VEGAS, May 11, 2004 – Atheros Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, and Colubris Networks, a global provider of intelligent WLAN access solutions, announced today that Colubris Networks' CN1220 and CN1250 802.11a/b/g enterprise-class access points feature the Atheros AR5001X+ chipset. The Colubris products are the industry's first to support voice-over- Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) service using a multi-service virtual access point capability. The intelligent access devices will be displayed at Colubris Networks' NetWorld+Interop booth, #2602, from May 11-13.

The multi-service virtual access point capability offers a simpler and lower cost solution to businesses that are converging voice and data applications onto a single, fully-managed WLAN. Using access devices with this capability, enterprises no longer are required either to operate all WLAN applications at the lowest common denominator of security or to deploy completely separate WLANs for each application such as data networking and voice. Enterprises can now configure as many as 16 different virtual access point services using a single physical Colubris Networks access device.

The Atheros AR5001X+ chipset, which is integrated into the access points, delivers high data transfer rates up to 54 Mbps, compliant with either the IEEE's 802.11a or 802.11g standard. The CN1220 and CN1250 802.11a/b/g access points' operating mode is software selectable and the devices offer backwards compatibility with any 802.11b wireless network adapter or laptop.

The Colubris products use Atheros' WLAN technology to converge voice and data communications on WLANs by fully supporting the Wireless Media Extensions (WME) Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities defined in the IEEE 802.11e draft standard. The Atheros wireless chipsets enable Colubris to support the latest WLAN security standards including Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and 802.11i Enhanced Security using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in hardware.

"Atheros' chipsets deliver enterprise-class performance by combining the latest security and QoS standards with superior WLAN performance," said Colin Macnab, vice president of marketing and business development of Atheros Communications. "We are pleased to be working with Colubris on innovative solutions that meet the needs of enterprises."

"Colubris is enabling next-generation WLAN deployments that seamlessly support Voice-over-Wi-Fi and high speed data services on a single, more cost- effective and easier-to-manage wireless platform that extends the enterprise's existing LAN," said Colubris Networks vice president of enterprise development, Roger Sands. "Atheros is providing its 802.11a/b/g chipset to our industry-first multi-service Virtual AP functionality. We value our relationship with Atheros and look forward to working with them on future products."

About Colubris Networks

Colubris Networks is a global provider of intelligent wireless LAN access equipment and management systems for service providers and enterprises. The company's award-winning products deliver seamless, secure access to broadband networks while integrating into existing network infrastructure, security and management systems. Colubris Networks' equipment is deployed by more than 500 organizations worldwide, including Swisscom Eurospot, Telecom Italia, Broadreach Networks, NTT-ME, McGill University, STSN, Connexion by Boeing, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and three of the world's largest hotel chains. Partners include ADC, Alcatel, Juniper Networks, Miltope Corporation, RSA Security, Airwave, Funk Software, iPass, and a worldwide network of value-added-resellers. For more information, visit the company at www.colubris.com, or contact us at info@colubris.com.

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

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Atheros and the Atheros logo 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 and benefits of Atheros' and Colubris Networks' products and technologies, and the future relationship of Atheros and Colubris Networks, 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, the companies' ability to market and ship in volume, the companies' ability to work together on future products, 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.