New VAIO PCs Adopt High-Performance Wireless LAN Technology From Atheros Communications

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atheros Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR - News), a leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, today announced that Sony has integrated Atheros WLAN solutions with performance-boosting Super G(TM) and Super AG(TM) technology into a number of its new mobile computing products introduced this fall. In addition, the Atheros AR5005G, the world's first single-chip 802.11g solution, is now shipping in new note PC and desktop models from Sony.

The low cost of Atheros' single-chip solution has allowed Sony to build wireless connectivity into even its most price-sensitive products. Sony has integrated the Atheros AR5005G chip into its VAIO E Series and K Series of laptops. This single-chip solution features Atheros' Super G technology, a set of wireless networking capabilities that deliver the highest wireless performance available on the market today, as measured by end-user throughput and range.

Sony has selected the same WLAN solution for its new, integrated PC and TV offering -- the Sony VAIO VGC-V2S, a wide-screen all-in-one PC that features a TV. The innovative product was recently rolled out to European end-users.

Sony has chosen to incorporate the Atheros AR5004X 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN chipset, featuring Super AG technology, into its flagship notebook PCs, the type A line. The Atheros chipset offers multi-standard 802.11a/b/g support for universal wireless connectivity to any 802.11 network and delivers the highest performance.

"With a single-chip solution, we are really bringing down the cost of high-performance wireless connectivity, enabling companies, such as Sony, to easily incorporate wireless technology into its products as a standard feature," said Colin Macnab, vice president of marketing and business development at Atheros Communications. "At the same time, we are thrilled to see the momentum that our Super G and Super AG technology is continuing to gain across Sony's popular VAIO product lines."

About Super G and Super AG Technology

Atheros Super G and Super AG technology offers a combination of innovative performance-enhancement features -- packet bursting, fast frames, and data compression -- that improve the throughput and range of wireless networking products. The technology supports up to 54 megabits-per-second (Mbps) data link rates for users in Japan, with typical end-user throughput of up to 40 Mbps. This is the highest throughput available on the market today, delivering user speeds that are 1.5-2.0 times faster than standard 802.11g or 802.11a/g products. Outside Japan, with an additional dynamic turbo mode activated, the technology can achieve throughputs of more than 60 Mbps for typical data.

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.

NOTE: Atheros, the Atheros logo, Super G 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, capabilities and benefits of Atheros' and Sony's products; and the incorporation of Atheros' wireless technology into Sony's 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, whether Sony continues to incorporate Atheros' products into its VAIO lines of computers; the effects of competition; the rate of growth of the market for personal computers; general economic conditions; 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.