NEC Launches Seven New Laptop and Desktop PCs Featuring Atheros Super AG® Wireless LAN Technology

Super AG® Feature Set Enables Industry’s Highest Performance Wireless Networking Capabilities

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 10, 2004 – Atheros Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that NEC Personal Products Ltd. is using Atheros’ industry-leading 802.11a/g chipset technology with Super AG® performance enhancements in six new laptop computer models and one new desktop computer model launched on May 6 in Japan.

By integrating Atheros’ advanced silicon solutions and Super AG® feature set into its latest laptop and desktop models, NEC is enabling its customers to enjoy the highest performance wireless networking capabilities available on the market today, as measured by end-user throughput and range.

NEC now offers Atheros Super AG® technology in the following laptop and desktop models designed for the domestic Japanese market:

• LaVie S Series – The LS830/9D, LS700/9D and LS500/9DT, which are high-end entertainment notebook computers.

• LaVie L Series – The LL970/9D, an A4 sized all-in-one notebook PC.

• LaVie RS Series – The LR700/9E and LR500/9D mobile notebooks.

• VALUESTAR TZ Series – The VZ980/9E high-end entertainment desktop computer with digital TV tuner.

All of these new NEC models will have Atheros Super AG® brand stickers to help users identify the feature set capabilities of the PC, and match these capabilities to the wide array of Super AG®-enabled access points and routers that are now readily available in the retail channel in Japan. With Super AG® support in both the PC and access point/router, consumers can benefit from the industry’s highest wireless networking throughput and performance.

Atheros Super AG® technology offers a combination of innovative performance-enhancement features – packet bursting, fast frames, and data compression – that improve the throughput and range of wireless networking products. The technology supports up to 54Mbps data rates for users in Japan, with typical end-user throughput of up to 40Mbps. Outside Japan, with an additional Dynamic Turbo feature activated, Super AG® technology supports up to 108Mbps data rates and user throughputs exceeding 60Mbps.

"Atheros Super AG® technology delivers high-throughput wireless networking capabilities and is the industry’s premier solution for speed and range,” said Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer of Atheros Communications. “We are excited about NEC’s broad adoption of this technology in their newest laptop and desktop models. The Atheros solution provides full compatibility with 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a networks, and greatly improves the user’s wireless networking experience.”

The new NEC laptops and desktop enabled with Atheros Super AG® technology are available now for purchase through NEC’s web site and retail stores in Japan.

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, the Atheros logo, 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 and benefits of Atheros’ products and technology and of NEC’s notebook and desktop PCs, 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, 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.

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.