Atheros helps create secure client connections to the installed base of Cisco Aironet Series Access Points

With the Atheros client software now supporting Cisco LEAP, users of laptops and other mobile devices based on Atheros technology can seamlessly communicate with Cisco Aironet 350 Series, Cisco Aironet 1100 Series, and Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Points that provide enterprise customers with single-mode (802.11b) and dual-mode (802.11b, 802.11a and in the future 802.11g) support. The Atheros AR5001 client software Release v2.1 that includes support for Cisco LEAP will be made available to Atheros customers in October as a free upgrade. 

“Given Cisco’s leadership in the enterprise-class WLAN infrastructure market, it is important for Atheros to assure that our products interoperate with Cisco Aironet products,” said Rich Redelfs, president and chief executive officer of Atheros. “In particular, customers integrating Atheros chipsets into laptop PCs want their laptops to interoperate securely with Cisco Aironet wireless infrastructure. The cooperation between Cisco and Atheros helps promote the value of 802.11 wireless networking for everyone.”

EAP allows only authorized users to access a WLAN, providing server and client authentication via a user-supplied logon password. This user authentication mechanism complements data encryption methods such as WEP and AES commonly used in wireless networks. Atheros currently offers the strongest encryption cipher available today (the Advanced Encryption Standard, or AES) as well as WEP encryption and VPN support for backward compatibility with legacy 802.11b systems. Atheros also plans to implement other emerging standards for security, including the TKIP encryption cipher, Protected EAP (PEAP) and Simple Secure Network (SSN), enabling IT managers to choose the type and level of security they prefer to implement on their wireless LANs.

Atheros provides both hardware and software security support for the company’s 802.11a and dual-band 802.11a/b WLAN chipsets. With this complete portfolio of security protocols available from more than 30 different systems providers, Atheros-based systems assure end-users of transparent yet highly secure WLAN connections across a diverse range of environments. Atheros will continue to work with technology leaders to expand the portfolio of security resources for WLAN users.                               

About Atheros Communications, Inc.

Atheros Communications is the leading developer of networking technologies for secure, high-performance wireless local area networks. As the industry innovator and market-share leader in wireless OFDM technology compliant with the IEEE 802.11 specifications, Atheros is driving transparent connections among electronic devices in the office, home and on the road. Atheros technology is being used by many of the world's leading wireless equipment manufacturers including Accton, Actiontec, Acrowave Systems, AirVast Technology, ALPS, Ambit, Askey, ASUS, BenQ, Contec, CyberTAN, Delta Networks, D-Link, Gemtek, Gigabyte Technology, Global Sun Tech, ICOM, Intel, Intermec, I-O Data, Linksys, NEC, NETGEAR, Philips, Proxim, Samsung, Senao, SMC Networks, Sony, Symbol, TDK, TECOM, USI, W2 Networks, Wistron NeWeb, Z-Com and others. For more information, visit www.atheros.com or send email to info@atheros.com.

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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.