Atheros USB2.0 802.11a/g WLAN
Technology Unwires Desktop PCs in Japan
I-O Data and NEC Access Technica
Introduce Wireless Adapters Using Atheros’ Highly-Integrated Chipset and Super
AG® Features
SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 1, 2005—Atheros
Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless
LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that its AR5005UX WLAN chipset is featured
in new 802.11a/g USB2.0 network adapters from I-O Data Device, Inc. and NEC
Access Technica, Ltd. The Atheros solution fits entirely onto a board that’s
only 2.57 inches by 0.96 inches; creating a small wireless footprint that can be
embedded into a wide range of computing and CE devices. The I-O Data WN-AG/US
and NEC Access Technica AtermWL54TU adapters are the first USB2.0 WLAN products
in Japan to support 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11b networks. These products also
support Atheros’ popular Super AG® performance-enhancement features.
The adapters connect to any open notebook PC or desktop
PC’s USB2.0 port to enable high performance wireless networking. The dual-band
802.11a/g chipset provides reliable networking compatible with all the 802.11
standards. Operation in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands allows people
to segment their wireless office or home networks for improved performance and
reliability. Communication in the uncrowded 5GHz band enables a reliable
wireless connection free from potential interference within the crowded 2.4GHz
band. People can stream photos, movies, and music over the 5GHz 802.11a network
without being affected by 2.4GHz devices such as microwave ovens, cordless
phones, and 802.11b and 802.11g networks.
“The AR5005UX chipset makes it easy to install any PC
device to a home or office wireless network using the popular USB2.0 interface,”
said Dr. Tomoki Ohsawa, general manager of Atheros Communications K.K. “I-O Data
and NEC Access Technica are the first to offer USB2.0 WLAN adapters that support
dual-band 802.11a/g operation. Combined with our Super AG technology, these
products create an enhanced wireless user experience based on network
performance, range and robust security.”
Atheros’ popular Super AG performance-enhancement features
are featured in the new USB2.0 WLAN adapters from I-O Data and NEC Access
Technica. Super AG employs multiple techniques, including packet bursting, fast
frames, and data compression – that dramatically increase the throughput and
range of wireless networking products. The technology supports up to 54
megabits-per-second (Mbps) link rates for users in Japan, with typical end-user
throughput of up to 40 Mbps based on Atheros’ results. Outside Japan, with an
additional dynamic turbo mode activated, the technology can achieve throughputs
of more than 60 Mbps for typical data.
The AR5005UX supports the latest WLAN security standards
including Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), enabling real time support for
full 802.11i security. AES encryption is supported by all of Atheros 802.11a/g
and 802.11g chipsets, allowing real-time encryption with no degradation of
operating data rates for the computing, consumer electronics and wireless
broadband markets. Atheros also supports the 802.11e Quality of Service (QoS)
specifications, providing advanced features for delivering wired-quality video
and audio content via a wireless connection.
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.
# # #
Atheros, the Atheros logo and Super AG are
trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in
this document are the sole 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 features, performance, security, capabilities and
benefits of Atheros’, I-O Data’s and NEC Access Technica’s products and the
incorporation of Atheros’ wireless technology into I-O Data’s and NEC Access
Technica’s USB2.0 network adapters, 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,
whether I-O Data and NEC Access Technica continue to incorporate Atheros’
products into their respective adapters and whether they are successful in
selling significant quantities of these adapters; the effects of competition;
general economic conditions; and other risks detailed in Atheros’ Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 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.
Cheryl Patstone, 408-773-5344, cheryl@atheros.com,
or Greg Wood, A&R Partners, 650-762-2838,
gwood@arpartners.com,
For analyst contact: Deborah Stapleton, Investor
Relations for Atheros, 650-470-0200,
deb@stapleton.com
