Strix Systems’ Outdoor
Wireless System (OWS) Uses Atheros 802.11a/g Chipset
Access/One Network OWS Enables
Deployment of High Throughput and Low Latency Wireless Networks across Large
Urban Areas and Rural Counties
SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 25, 2005—Atheros
Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless
LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that Strix Systems, a leader in
high-performance wireless mesh networking, is using Atheros’ 802.11a/g chipset
technology in its Access/One Network OWS (Outdoor Wireless System). This
high-capacity wireless system—designed for outdoor deployments in municipal and
metropolitan area networks—uses multiple radios, multiple channels, and multiple
radio frequency (RF) technologies to build high performance mesh networks for
wireless backhaul and client connectivity.
The Access/One Network OWS integrates multiple radios per
node and multiple channels to deliver the highest throughput and lowest latency
over multiple hops. The Strix Systems’ approach provides high-speed wireless
performance while minimizing latency over multiple hops. The Atheros chipset
featuring Super AG® technology enables Access/One Network OWS to support any
combination of 802.11a, b or g radios and supports link rates up to 108
megabits-per-second (Mbps) between nodes.
Atheros’ popular Super AG performance-enhancement solution
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.
Supporting up to six radios in an Access/One Network OWS
node means maximum flexibility to deliver multi-radio mesh backbones, and
multi-RF client connectivity. The self-configuring, self-tuning and self-healing
aspects of the Access/One Network OWS mesh ensure that data paths are optimized
at all times and that the wireless network can route around congestion or
interference, in addition to overcoming network failures.
Strix Systems ensures the highest level of network security
is guaranteed in the mesh using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encrypted
links while supporting 802.11i, 802.1x, and other authentication and encryption
types to client devices. Atheros’ chipsets support the industry’s most robust
security standard, IEEE 802.11i. An AES encryption engine is built into the
hardware of all Atheros 802.11a/g and 802.11g chipsets, allowing real-time
encryption with no performance degradation in computing, consumer electronics
and wireless broadband applications.
“The Access/One Network OWS is designed for metro area
wireless network deployments that can, unlike the limited range of existing
access points, provision wireless hot zones that can extend over hundreds of
square miles, and require a high performance and reliable mesh network,” said
Leonid Kalika, chief operating officer at Strix Systems. “Atheros’ technology
offers extended range, high performance, scalability and robust security needed
for users such as government agencies, public utility and transportation
providers, as well as mobile users who want uninterrupted service on a city-wide
basis.”
“Cities and municipalities are deploying low-cost wireless
LAN technology to increase the reach and access to broadband communications
networks,” said Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer of Atheros
Communications. “Whether these new networks are the first to be deployed in a
region or augmenting an existing network, wireless LAN technology is enabling
people to stay connected. We’re pleased to be working with Strix Systems to
bring high performance 802.11a/g technology to metro-scale mesh networks.”
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 and benefits of Atheros’ and
Strix System’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, whether a significant number
of municipalities and other local and regional governments deploy wireless
networks, general economic conditions, the effects of governmental regulation,
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
