Aruba Networks Launches
Dual-Band 802.11a+b/g Outdoor
Access Point Using Atheros Communications Chipset
New Weather-resistant Access Point
Extends Enterprise Networks Outdoors; Enables Wireless Bridges between Buildings
in Campus Environments
SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 21, 2005—Atheros
Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless
LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that its dual-band 802.11a/b/g chipset,
AR5002AP-2X, is featured in Aruba’s new multi-purpose, dual-band outdoor access
point (AP). The Aruba 80 enables enterprises to operate 802.11a and 802.11b/g
wireless networks concurrently.
The Aruba 80 is a fully-hardened dual-radio 802.11a+b/g AP
that’s ideally suited for extending enterprise wireless networks to
transportation loading bays, manufacturing sites, campuses, and office parks. It
can also be used to wirelessly connect buildings instead of running expensive
leased lines between office buildings. In these environments, the AP provides
the wireless backhaul for transferring very large data files in point-to-point
or point-to-multipoint wireless bridging environments.
The Aruba 80 access point uses both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz
frequency bands, allowing enterprises to segment their wireless networks for
improved performance and reliability. Use of the 5GHz band enables a reliable
wireless connection free from potential interference within the crowded 2.4GHz
band. Also important for planning network scalability, the 5GHz band provides an
additional 13 non-overlapping channels on top of the three channels available in
the 2.4GHz band. This enhances the flexibility of where to place a wireless
access point and how-to minimize interference while maximizing network
performance.
“Our new Aruba 80 lets enterprises extend user mobility and
the reach of their wireless network across their entire organization,” said Ken
Jensen, director of Product Management for Aruba. “Atheros’ dual-band 802.a/b/g
technology offers high performance and scalability for enterprises that need to
install large wireless networks now or in the future. Our customers will be able
to roll out the Aruba 80 as a traditional AP indoors or outdoors — with all of
Aruba’s advanced features — or use it as a wireless bridge.”
Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer of
Atheros Communications, added, “Wireless LAN technology is no longer confined to
indoor applications or traditional networking environments. It’s being used to
wirelessly connect buildings and create wireless campuses extending access
across an entire enterprise. We’re pleased to be working with Aruba to meet
enterprises’ needs with advanced wireless chipset technology that supports
dual-band operation, using both the 802.11a and 802.11b/g protocols.”
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 and the Atheros logo 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 and benefits of Atheros’ and
Aruba’s products, and the potential applications of these 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, difficulties in development and manufacture of
new products and upgraded products, unforeseen problems in the performance of
products upon broad deployment of these products, and other risks detailed in
Atheros’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 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.
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
