Atheros Endorses the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) Wi-Fi Direct Specification

Atheros has enabled this innovative capability in its ROCm® Wi-Fi chips for mobile devices, currently shipping in smartphones featuring Direct Connect AP mode functionality. In the second half of 2009, Atheros also began shipping XSPAN® and Align(TM) 11n-based chips with Direct Connect, targeting PC applications. New Microsoft Windows 7-enabled netbook, notebook and desktop PCs that feature Atheros' XSPAN or Align solutions can easily support the Direct Connect capability when PC manufacturers enable the feature.

"Direct Connect technology provides a compelling example of what device-to-device connectivity means for Wi-Fi users," said Wi-Fi Alliance executive director Edgar Figueroa. "Because of the work of Atheros and other member companies in Wi-Fi Alliance®, Wi-Fi users worldwide will soon benefit from Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct: a single-technology solution that interoperates with hundreds of millions of Wi-Fi devices in the installed base today."

Direct Connect makes it incredibly easy for users to sync, share and display content between two or more devices without cables or portable storage drives. Atheros' technology works with any legacy Wi-Fi device and it will work even better on products that conform to the forthcoming Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct specification, which enhances power management and device discovery.

"Direct Connect is transforming the way consumers move their content between devices -- wherever they are," said Andy Davidson, senior director of software engineering for Atheros. "We enthusiastically support the Wi-Fi Alliance's new Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct specification as we believe this capability will quickly become a 'must have' feature in Wi-Fi devices."

About Atheros Communications, Inc.

Atheros Communications is a global leader in innovative technologies for wireless and wired communications. Atheros combines its wireless and networking systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated chipsets that are manufactured on low-cost, standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is used by a broad base of leading customers, including personal computer, networking equipment and consumer device manufacturers. For more information, please visit http://www.atheros.com or send an email to info@atheros.com.

Atheros, the Atheros logo, XSPAN, Align, ROCm and Direct Connect are trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including the features, benefits and performance of Atheros' 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 the development of new and enhanced products, general economic conditions, the effects of competition and technological change, and the risks detailed in Atheros' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, 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.