Agere Systems' WaveLAN(TM) Multimode Chip Set Raises the Bar for Range And Data Throughput in Wi-Fi Solutions

Agere's WaveLAN multimode solution provides up to twice the range of competing solutions at peak data rates, with consistently higher data throughput. Better range performance means reduced trouble calls and fewer customer returns for Wi-Fi device makers, and the assurance of connectivity for mobile users to any wireless business, home or hotspot network.

"Agere's range and throughput data shows that WaveLAN continues to be the gold standard in wireless networking performance, without the need for proprietary modes," said Stan Swearingen, vice president of Agere's Computing Connectivity division. "Consumers should not have to worry about interoperability issues or networking standards -- they just want their Wi-Fi to work. WaveLAN delivers just that, giving mobile users robust wireless access at longer distances and higher data throughput."

Enabling the best user experience

Agere's multimode chip set, consisting of a single-chip, dual-band 2.4 GHz (802.11b/g) and 5.2 GHz (802.11a) RF transceiver, media access controller (MAC), baseband processor and power amplifier, delivers peak performance at extended range. The WaveLAN solution offers up to two times the wireless range at 2.4 GHz when compared to competing Wi-Fi solutions currently available. Agere's WaveLAN chip set offers a combined improvement in receiver sensitivity and output power of up to 8 dB. This combination of industry-leading receiver sensitivity and output power delivers users overall better range and data throughput performance.

Unlike today's 802.11g-only solutions, multimode products deliver the best user experience and performance by providing access across disparate networks through dynamic selection of a, b, or g depending on the system capabilities, channel loads, and the type of information transmitted.

Agere's multimode chip set is expected to begin volume production in March 2004.

Driving wireless home theater

With anticipated demand for the wireless distribution of digital content for multimedia, Agere's WaveLAN solution serves as a strong foundation for reliable, uninterrupted delivery of streaming digital audio and video. In addition to the high data throughput enabled by WaveLAN, Agere's multimode platform can take advantage of the increased number of independent channels and clean spectrum available in the 5.2 GHz frequency band, offering dedicated channels for delivering high-speed streaming video without the interference of other wireless products -- such as cordless phones and microwaves -- that use the 2.4 GHz spectrum.

Live demonstrations at CES 2004

At this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Agere will be offering live demonstrations of its multimode capabilities in a number of consumer electronics applications, including wireless transmission of DVD-quality streaming audio and video for a home theater system.

For more information, customers may visit Agere's Web site at http://www.agere.com/ or contact one of Agere's regional sales offices. Customers in the U.S. may also call the Agere Systems Customer Response Center at 1-800-372-2447. Customers in Canada may call 1-800-553-2448. Customers outside those countries may call 1-610-712-4323. Fax inquiries may be directed to 1-610-712-4106, or e-mail queries to docmaster@agere.com. Written inquiries should be sent to Agere Systems, Room 10A-301C, 1110 American Parkway NE, Lehigh Valley Central Campus, Allentown, PA, 18109, USA.

Agere Systems is a premier provider of advanced integrated circuit solutions for wireless data, high-density storage and multiservice networking applications. Agere's wireless data portfolio enables seamless network access and Internet connectivity through its GPRS offering for data-capable cellular phones, as well as Wi-Fi/802.11 solutions for wireless LANs and computing applications. The company is the market leader in providing integrated circuits for the hard disk drive market, with number one positions in sales of system-on-a-chip solutions and preamplifiers. Agere also provides custom and standard multiservice networking solutions to move information across wired, wireless and enterprise networks. Agere's customers include the leading PC manufacturers, wireless terminal providers, network equipment suppliers and hard-disk drive providers. More information about Agere Systems is available from its web site at http://www.agere.com/ .

Agere is a registered trademark and WaveLAN, Agere Systems and the Agere Systems logo are trademarks of Agere Systems Inc.

This release contains forward-looking statements based on information available to Agere as of the date hereof. Agere's actual results could differ materially from the results stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of any global or regional health epidemic, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, keeping pace with technological change, dependence on new product development, price and product competition, availability of manufacturing capacity, customer demand for our products and services, general industry and market conditions, limits on our ability to issue equity to raise capital and reliance on major customers and suppliers. For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. Agere disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: Media - JoAnna Schooler, +44-1344-865-815 (office),
+44-7899-063-151 (mobile), jschooler@agere.com, or Glen Haley,
+1-610-712-1747, (office), +1-610-217-0781, (mobile), glenhaley@agere.com,
both of Agere Systems

Web site: http://www.agere.com/