WPA2 Provides Next-Generation Security Based on the Final Ratified IEEE 802.11i Standard

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2004 – Atheros Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced its WLAN products have been chosen by the Wi-Fi Alliance for inclusion in the WPA2™ (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2™) certification test bed. Atheros’ 802.11a/b/g client and access point reference designs will be used in testing wireless products that are submitted for WPA2 – Personal or WPA2 – Enterprise certification.

WPA2 is the next generation of Wi-Fi security, based on the final 802.11i standard. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ratified the 802.11i standard in June 2004, and the Wi-Fi Alliance today launched its WPA2 interoperability testing. Wireless products that are WPA2 CERTIFIED offer the strongest available security in the form of AES-level encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard). Additionally WPA2 CERTIFIED products offer enhancements that enable 802.1x authentication in either ad-hoc mode or in traditional infrastructure networks, and accelerate re-authentication using key caching and pre-authentication techniques.

Atheros was the first company to support 802.11 AES encryption in hardware, introducing the technology with the launch of its dual-mode products in 2002. An AES encryption engine is built into the hardware of all Atheros 802.11a/b/g and 802.11b/g chipsets, allowing real-time encryption with no degradation of operating data rates for the computing, consumer electronics and wireless broadband markets. Many Atheros partners already support AES encryption using Atheros WLAN chipsets.

“We applaud the Wi-Fi Alliance for its hard work and persistence to certify products that meet the industry’s most robust wireless security standard,” said Colin Macnab, vice president of marketing and business development of Atheros Communications. “With WPA2, enterprise and consumer Wi-Fi users will be assured that the content on their wireless networks is secure. Atheros is pleased to have its products Wi-Fi CERTIFIED and to be included in the WPA2 test bed.”

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 info@atheros.com.

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Atheros and the Atheros logo are trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, WPA, and WPA2 are trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. 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 use of Atheros’ products in the WPA2 test bed; the security of content on wireless networks as a result of the adoption and use of the 802.11i standard; and the features, performance and benefits of Atheros’ 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 results of WPA2 testing procedures using Atheros’ products; whether the 802.11i standard continues to be successful in providing security on wireless LAN networks; our ability and the ability of our competitors to develop products that implement AES without affecting the performance of products based on our and their chipsets, 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.