Qualcomm Atheros Launches New Time Division Multiple Access Software and Ethernet-over-Coax Return-Path Solution for Set-Top Boxes

BEIJING, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), announced today the optimized new time division multiple access (TDMA) software for Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) applications and Qualcomm Atheros' first entry-level EoC solution, the QCA6411 chipset, that together provide comprehensive, end-to-end broadband access solutions for Chinese multi-system operators (MSOs). The QCA6411 chipset provides an EoC-based solution for return-path in two-way set-top boxes (STBs) for cable television (CATV). The optimized TDMA software, developed for HomePlug AV and P1901-based EoC solutions, offers a host of new features that are critical to operators, including support for end-to-end network management and bandwidth allocation. These two offerings are firsts for the HomePlug AV/IEEE 1901-based EoC technology.

"CATV is an important channel to Qualcomm Atheros. This comprehensive solution launched today is tailor-made for China and will help local CATV operators provide more interactive content and value-added services with better performance to end users," said Dr. Jason Zheng, senior vice president and general manager, infrastructure business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "With our strong local research and development and technical support teams, we are able to work closely with our customers to offer top-notch, in-time support whenever needed. Going forward, we are committed to continued development of solutions that address the unique requirements of the China CATV industry."

The TDMA software provides an upgrade path for current HomePlug AV and IEEE 1901-based EoC solutions to ensure carrier-grade capability to support many services such as Internet Protocol television (IPTV) and Voice-over-IP (VoIP). Compared to the existing carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mode, the new software will enable the HomePlug AV and IEEE1901-based EoC networks to offer better manageability and scalability. Dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) improves the performance of the solution through guaranteed bandwidth, controlled latency and jitter elimination. Guaranteed delivery of the management message ensures that the EoC network is more reliable for users. As one of the cable access standards recommended by the China State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), HomePlug AV/IEEE 1901-based EoC solutions are widely adopted because of their high throughput, cost efficiency and immunity to noise impairments.

The QCA6411 chipset is a cost-effective solution for STB return-path applications. The QCA6411 replaces the current narrowband return-path solutions in two-way set-top boxes with a cost-effective HomePlug AV/IEEE 1901-based EoC solution, providing much higher bandwidth, performance and manageability.

"Qualcomm Atheros is a leading provider of access technology whose products we've been using for some time," said Qianrong Wan, chief technology officer, Oriental Cable Network, Shanghai. "We are thrilled to see this optimized solution because it will significantly improve our user experience and greatly help us reach our goal to realize the two-way network reform of the China Next Generation Broadcasting (NGB) initiative. We look forward to working with Qualcomm Atheros more in the future."

"We are working with Qualcomm Atheros and employing the QCA6411 in our STB platforms. By leveraging the centralized management platform of Huawei passive optical networking (PON) and EoC, we can deliver an IEEE 1901-based return-path solution for video-on-demand services. We believe that with the upgrade of the IEEE 1901 with TDMA, we will realize a fully manageable, end-to-end Ethernet access solution spanning both optical and coaxial segments," said Mr. Yufa Han, vice president of access network products, Huawei Technology.

The new TDMA software and samples of the QCA6411 chipset will be available to customers in the third quarter of 2012.

For more information, please visit the Qualcomm Atheros exhibit (#2501) at the China Content Broadcasting Network Show, March 21–23 in Beijing, China or visit www.qca.qualcomm.com.

About Qualcomm Atheros Inc.
Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, is a leading provider of wireless and wired technologies for the mobile, networking, computing and consumer electronics markets. The organization is focused on inventing technologies that connect and empower people in ways that are elegant and accessible to all. With its broad connectivity portfolio, Qualcomm Atheros provides its global customer base with high-performance, end-to-end solutions, featuring Wi-Fi®, GPS, Bluetooth®, Ethernet, HomePlug® powerline , passive optical networking (PON) and Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) technologies. Qualcomm Atheros leverages its substantial expertise in RF, signal processing, software and networking to deliver highly integrated, low-power, system-level solutions that enable customers to create high-performance, differentiated products. For more information, go to www.qca.qualcomm.com.

Qualcomm Atheros is a trademark of Qualcomm Atheros Inc. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. HomePlug is a registered trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

Qualcomm Contacts:
Laurie Falconer, Qualcomm Atheros
Phone: 1-408-616-3036
Email: [email protected]

Tina Asmar, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: [email protected]

Warren Kneeshaw, Investor Relations
Phone: 1-858-658-4813
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Qualcomm Atheros Inc.