CHICAGO & SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct 29, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCTI), a global leader in simplifying mobility, and Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATHR), a leading developer of advanced Wireless LAN (WLAN) chipsets, announced today a licensing agreement whereby Atheros will offer PCTEL's Soft Access Point (SoftAP^™) software solution for use with products that include Atheros' high-performance WLAN chipsets. Availability for Atheros' SoftAP-enabled products is expected in Q1 2005.

PCTEL's SoftAP software will quickly convert a PC using an Atheros based network interface card into a fully functional access point (AP) with routing and firewall capabilities. The solution enables Enterprise as well as small office and home office users to simply load software onto a central PC, instead of purchasing additional hardware, to wirelessly connect multiple computers or other wireless devices. PCTEL SoftAP currently supports the complete line of Atheros chipsets, including the latest Atheros single-chip 802.11a/b/g, single-chip 802.11b/g and USB 2.0 WLAN solutions.

"Atheros chipsets provide one of the most comprehensive wireless networking solutions available on the market today," said Biju Nair, Vice President and General Manager of PCTEL's Mobility Solutions Group. "We are very pleased to be providing Atheros our SoftAP solution in order to improve the Wi-Fi user experience for Enterprise, home and mobile users. By leveraging existing cost effective hardware solutions, we are able to simplify installation and improve ease-of-use. The PCTEL SoftAP software can also leverage Atheros' Super G^™, Super AG^™, and Atheros XR^™ (eXtended Range) technologies to achieve better performance and range."

"Wireless networking infrastructure in the office or home is affected by the number and placement of APs," said Colin Macnab, vice president of marketing and business development at Atheros Communications. "PCTEL's SoftAP software turns any late-model PC running Windows into a wireless router. This will be a popular feature for consumers who may want to only run their desktop PC or laptop as their sole AP or as a second router placed anywhere in their home."

PCTEL's SoftAP is ideal for both Enterprise and home-based users. With SoftAP installed on their notebook, a professional can wirelessly network with colleagues in a small office or at an offsite meeting. Enhanced security features ensure that file sharing and instant messaging remain secure and keep unauthorized devices off the network. At home, a notebook or PC user with SoftAP installed can share a broadband connection with family members scattered throughout the house - wirelessly.

SoftAP is available as a bundled solution from the manufacturers of retail 802.11 client adapters, is licensed by PCTEL to 802.11 chipset suppliers and motherboard manufacturers as a value added option, and is licensed for distribution to wireline broadband service providers as part of their home networking solutions.

About PCTEL

PCTEL (NASDAQ:PCTI), founded in March 1994, is a global leader in simplifying mobility. PCTEL's Mobility Solutions' software tools simplify installation, roaming, Internet access and billing. PCTEL's RF Solutions' portfolio of OEM receivers and receiver-based products are used to measure and monitor cellular networks. PCTEL's MAXRAD Product Group designs, distributes, and supports innovative antenna solutions that facilitate and simplify wireless communications. PCTEL protects its leadership position with a portfolio of more than 130 analog and broadband communications and wireless patents, issued or pending, including key and essential patents for modem technology. The company's products are sold or licensed to wireless carriers, wireless ISPs, distributors, wireless test and measurement companies, system integrators, PC manufacturers and PC card and board manufacturers. PCTEL headquarters are located at 8725 West Higgins Road, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60631. Telephone: 773-243-3000. For more information, please visit our web site at: http://www.pctel.com.

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, Super G, Super AG, and Atheros XR are trademarks of Atheros Communications, Inc. PCTEL and SoftAP are trademarks of PCTEL, Inc.

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' products when used with the PCTEL SoftAP solution; and the success of Atheros' products and PCTEL SoftAP software in the market, 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 the SoftAP solution, when used with Atheros' products, is widely adopted by consumers; the effects of competition; the rate of growth of the market for personal computers; difficulties in development of new and enhanced products; general economic conditions; and other risks detailed in each of Atheros' and PCTEL's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements is disclaimed.

SOURCE: PCTEL, Inc.

PCTEL, Inc.
John Schoen, 773-243-3000
or
Jack Seller, 773-243-3016
jack_seller@pctel.com
or
Atheros Communications, Inc.
Cheryl Patstone, 408-773-5344
cheryl@atheros.com

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