Fully Integrated Security Solution Features Wi-Fi Protected Access, “Cisco Compatible” Extensions, and IEEE 802.11i AES Encryption

PORTSMOUTH, NH – May 7, 2003 – Meetinghouse, a leading developer of standards-based network authentication software for wired and wireless local-area networks, today announced that Atheros Communications, the leading developer of advanced wireless LAN (WLAN) technology will embed Meetinghouse’s AEGIS Authentication API security technology into Atheros’ market-leading 802.11b/g and 802.11a/b/g network adapter reference designs. This collaboration provides Atheros customers with a fully integrated security solution that includes compliance with the new Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security specification, the “Cisco Compatible” Extensions program, as well as future-proofed compatibility with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) – the encryption algorithm specified by the IEEE 802.11i security standard.

“By partnering with Meetinghouse, we are able to provide our retail, PC OEM, and enterprise customers with a robust and comprehensive security solution built directly into our reference designs,” said David Borison, product line manager of Atheros. “Atheros customers benefit greatly from this tight integration because it enables them to rapidly introduce new products with best-in-class wireless LAN security across all the major Windows operating systems.”

“We’re excited to be working so closely with a respected technology innovator like Atheros,” said Dr. Paul Goransson, President of Meetinghouse. “It’s a validation of Meetinghouse’s 802.1X security technology to be selected by this leader in advanced 802.11 chipset solutions.”

Meetinghouse's AEGIS API Suite is a quick-to-integrate solution enabling 802.1X-based authentication for software products. The suite consists of three separate APIs: Authentication, Wireless Configuration, and Network Configuration. The Authentication API accepts credentials from an application and handles all required interaction to carry out 802.1X authentication. The Wireless Configuration API enables the determination of a user's wireless network card configuration; detects wireless networks within range; gathers statistics on those networks; and controls which wireless network the card connects to. Finally, the Network Configuration API enables the configuration of the IP network and Internet proxies. With these tools, a developer can quickly create an application that provides comprehensive 802.1X support.

The AEGIS API Suite was developed with ease of integration in mind. A comprehensive set of examples enables quick product integration. Support for a broad range EAP types and operating systems is featured: Microsoft® Windows® 98, NT, 2000, XP, and ME are supported with plans for additional operating systems in the future, and a full range of authentication methods are supported, including EAP-PEAP, EAP-TTLS, EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS and Cisco LEAP. Broad support for wireless Network Interface Cards (NIC) is featured. In addition, interoperability with 802.11 RADIUS Servers includes: Meetinghouse AEGIS, Funk Steel-Belted Radius, Microsoft IAS, Cisco ACS, Interlink and FreeRadius.

About Atheros Communications, Inc.

Atheros Communications is the leading developer of networking technologies for secure, high-performance wireless local area networks. As the industry innovator and market-share leader in multimode wireless solutions compliant with the IEEE 802.11 specifications, Atheros is driving transparent connections among electronic devices in the office, home and on the road. Atheros technology is being used by many of the world's leading wireless equipment manufacturers. For more information, visit www.atheros.com or send email to info@atheros.com.

About Meetinghouse

Meetinghouse is a leading developer of advanced network security and authentication products. Founded by industry veteran Dr. Paul Goransson, Meetinghouse has developed software for many leading global network equipment manufacturers including: Nortel, Hewlett-Packard Company, Sprint and others. The company is known for its 802.1X expertise, high-quality products, and for being an outstanding business partner with the highest ethical standards. The company is headquartered in Portsmouth, NH. For additional information please visit the company website at http://www.mtghouse.com or call 1.603.430.7710.