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  • February 2006 (Revised June 2007)
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Atheros Communications

By: Thomas R. Eisenmann and Lauren Barley
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:19
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Abstract

Managers at Atheros, a leading provider of wireless local area network chipsets, must decide whether to join a special interest group (SIG) proposed by Intel to end an impasse over standards for the 802.11n (11n), the next generation of "Wi-Fi" technology. Two factions are supporting rival proposals for 11n standards in the IEEE, the electronics industry's chief standards-setting organization. Working outside the IEEE's formal processes, Intel's SIG would advance a compromise that could break the deadlock. Alternatively, the SIG could provoke a backlash, resulting in the IEEE's approval of a different standard for 11n. In that event, Intel and its SIG allies would suffer a severe time-to-market setback in exploiting what promises to be a large, fast-growing chip market.

Keywords

Intellectual Property; Standards; Wireless Technology; Semiconductor Industry; United States

Citation

Eisenmann, Thomas R., and Lauren Barley. "Atheros Communications." Harvard Business School Case 806-093, February 2006. (Revised June 2007.)
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About The Author

Thomas R. Eisenmann

Entrepreneurial Management
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