Atheros Launches XSPANAtheros Launches XSPAN

Atheros Communications announced the launch of its AR5008V XSPAN chipset

August 28, 2006

2 Min Read

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless solutions, today announced the launch of its AR5008V XSPAN(TM) chipset, a high-performance, cost-optimized draft 802.11n solution featuring a 2x2 MIMO design. The AR5008V chipset is supported by Atheros' first family of network processors, the AR7100. This pairing reduces the manufacturing costs of draft 802.11n wireless routers and access points (APs), enabling broad adoption of the new, high-performance WLAN technology.

Atheros Launches Network Processor Family for High-Performance WLANs Unlike general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), Atheros' AR7100 family is optimized for wireless LAN (WLAN) AP/router performance, features and cost.The first two members of the high-performance, scalable AR7100 family are:

  • AR7100B - 300MHz with dual 10/100 Ethernet ports

  • AR7100P - 400MHz with dual 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) Ethernet ports

    To deliver draft optimal 802.11n performance in wireless APs and routers, the Atheros network processors offer an impressive set of features and interfaces, including a high-performance MIPS-based processor core; a 33/66 MHz PCI interface; dual Ethernet ports for LAN and WAN connectivity; a high-speed 32-bit DDR memory controller to support high-bandwidth applications; and on-chip cache memory. Additionally, Atheros' AR7100 network processors offer a rich array of interfaces to support next-generation triple-play applications, such as dual USB 2.0 interfaces for wireless network storage and printing; a PCM interface to support analog and VoIP telephony; and an I S interface to support audio streaming through the router.The NPU's processing power results in higher performance for routers and access points that can enable bandwidth-intensive multimedia applications such as streaming high-definition video and MP3 files, while simultaneously supporting latency-sensitive applications such as multi-player video games and voice over Wi-Fi calls.

    "Fast processors, particularly those supporting Gigabit Ethernet, maximize draft 802.11n performance, which delivers more than six times greater throughput than the 802.11g or 802.11a standards," said Joseph Byrne, senior analyst with The Linley Group and author of A Guide to SOHO Gateway Processors. "The AR7100, coupled with Atheros' advanced wireless LAN technology, will enable cost-effective, high-performance routers to quickly come to market."

    Atheros Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR)

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