Smart-Antenna Chipset Ups Wi-Fi Performance

Multiple-radio, smart antenna technologies incorporated in the AR5005VL chipset deliver MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) performance in standard IEEE 802.11 WLAN systems. The chipset uses the techniques of phased-array beamforming, cyclic delay diversity and optimal receive, combining to provide higher performance even when the chipset is only on one end of a wireless connection (transmit or receive). It is available in both 802.11g and 802.11a/g versions, supporting configurations up to four antennas. When operating on both sides of the wireless connection, user throughput is up to 50 Mb/s. In mixed networks using a range of 802.11g products, the chipset can deliver up to 27 Mb/s across a 3,000 square-foot home connected to just one side of the link. The chipset uses multiple radio outputs to focus a coherent 802.11a/g signal towards the receiver in a manner fully compatible with existing WLAN radios. The 802.11a/g version is priced at $23 each/10,000 and the 802.11g version at under $20. ATHEROS COMMUNICATIONS INC., Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 773-5200.