5. Atheros

I didn't end up seeing Atheros' XR (eXtended Range) demonstration which involved a wireless link between Atheros' booth and a remote kiosk in the main LVCC hallway staffed by one of the very few booth-babes to be found at the show. Instead, I plan to do my own testing on XR - when it's finally released, that is, and without the booth-babe...

President and CEO Dr. Craig Barratt explained that the hardware changes needed for XR have already been incorporated in all Atheros' chipsets released in the past year or so. But a few problems have required more attention than anticipated and, hence, the delay. Specifically, Barratt said XR's high receive sensitivity can exacerbate the standard "hidden node problem" experienced in wireless networks.

It also seems that I'm in the minority in being in a hurry to see the latest "adaptive radio" version of Super-G released. Barratt acknowledged Atheros' part in the delay of the update, saying that the final code had only recently been released. But he also cited a lack of urgency from his Super-G customers, maintaining that complaints of problems caused by Super-G products have been virtually nonexistent.

Finally, Atheros has embarked on a "Total 802.11" brand-awareness program. Logos similar to the one shown to the left will start to appear on Atheros-based products and are already in wide use in Japan. Can't let Intel and Broadcom have all the branding fun!