Belkin Launches Wireless A+G
Networking Line Based on Atheros Communications Dual-Band Chipset Technology
802.11a/g networking enables users to
stream audio and video files without interference to any room in their home
2005 INTERNATIONAL CES, LAS VEGAS,
Jan. 6, 2005—Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading
developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that its
dual-band 802.11a/g technology is featured in Belkin's new Wireless A+G
networking line, which is making its debut at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show
(CES) in Las Vegas in Belkin’s booth (#30847, South Hall).
The Wireless A+G product line from Belkin—including router,
notebook network card, desktop network card, and USB network adapter—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 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.
“Our new Wireless A+G line lets users achieve high levels
of quality by transferring multimedia audio and video files over the 802.11a
network with no interference. Simultaneously they can use their 802.11g network
for lower-bandwidth applications such as email and Web surfing,” said Eric Tong,
VP Marketing and Product Development of Belkin. “We are pleased to be working
with Atheros to bring to market innovative A+G solutions that increase
consumers’ ability to enjoy high-quality A/V entertainment throughout their
homes.”
Atheros’ popular Super AG® performance-enhancement features
are supported in the Belkin Wireless A+G line. Super AG employs multiple
techniques, including Dynamic Turbo with Adaptive Radio technology, packet
bursting, fast frames, and data compression, to dramatically increase the
throughput and range of wireless networking products. The technology supports
link rates up to 108 megabits-per-second (Mbps) and enables user throughput of
more than 60 Mbps.
The Belkin Wireless A+G line also incorporates Atheros’
eXtended Range technology, Atheros XR™, which provides more stable and reliable
network connections in heavy wireless environments. With XR, range can be
improved by up to 2x that of standard 802.11a or 802.11g products.
“When it comes to home entertainment networking, customers
want a high-quality, glitch-free experience. Their wireless networks must be
able to support reliable A/V streaming throughout the home,” said Craig Barratt,
president and chief executive officer of Atheros Communications. “We’re pleased
to be supplying Belkin with advanced wireless chipset technology that supports
dual-band operation, using both the 802.11a and 802.11g protocols, as well as
value-added features that enhance networking performance and range.”
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, Atheros XR, 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 the
features, performance and benefits of Belkin’s Wireless A+G networking line and
Atheros’ technologies, and the continuing use of Atheros technologies by Belkin
for its networking line, 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, Belkin’s and Atheros’
ability to market their products and ship in volume, whether Belkin continues to
incorporate Atheros’ technologies in its products or determines in the future to
base its networking line on other technologies, and other risks detailed in
Atheros’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 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.
Cheryl Patstone, 408-773-5344,
cheryl@atheros.com or Greg Wood, A&R Partners, 650-762-2838,
gwood@arpartners.com.
