Conexant Network Processor Powers New Linksys Cable/DSL Firewall Router; Router Features Advanced Security For SOHO And Business Users.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 2002

Conexant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, and Linksys, the leading global manufacturer of broadband, wireless and networking hardware for the small/medium business (SMB), small office/home office (SOHO) and home environments today announced that Conexant's CX82100 network processor has been integrated into the new Linksys broadband firewall router with 4-port switch and virtual private network (VPN) endpoint.

The BEFSX41 EtherFast(R) Cable/DSL firewall router is designed for connecting a group of personal computers to share a high-speed broadband Internet connection, or a 10/100 Ethernet backbone network.

Conexant's CX82100 is a 185 million instructions per second (MIPS) single-chip, high-performance, ARM940T-based processor with multiple network interface functions that powers complete networking solutions for secure SOHO and business networking applications.

"When we were specifying the requirements for our firewall router, it was unanimously decided to offer a product that would support broadband speed throughput with concurrent operation of additional security features," said Allen Huotari, director of research and development at Linksys.

"Conexant's processor was a highly practical solution for integrating their technology into our end-product thus enabling customers to obtain additional value from their high-speed connection."

"Conexant is proud to work with Linksys to provide SOHO and business users with a secure broadband connection," said Chee Kwan, vice president of broadband products for Conexant's Broadband Communications Segment. "This collaboration not only provides consumers with advanced firewall protection, but also allows them to benefit from both companies' expertise in the residential gateway market."

International Data Corp. (IDC), a market research and consulting firm that supports the strategic planning needs of all segments of the high-tech industry, forecasts a compound annual growth rate of more than 11 percent in the shipment of routers, with shipments exceeding 11 million in 2006.

About Linksys

Linksys, an award-winning global developer of wireless, broadband and LAN networking solutions for the home, small office/home office (SOHO) and small/medium business (SMB) corporate environments, is the leading manufacturer of networking hardware in both retail and e-commerce channels and is the fastest growing networking solution provider for the SMB corporate sector.

Linksys has current memberships with CableLabs, CableHome, DSL Forum, HomePlug, PCI-SIG, UPnP, USB-IF and WECA. Linksys also actively participates and directly contributes in the development of the CableHome specification for routers and residential gateways.

Linksys products are sold through leading distributors, computer resellers, direct response, broadband service providers and e-commerce and retail stores worldwide. For more information, visit the Linksys Web site at www.linksys.com, e-mail [e-mail] or call toll-free 800/LINKSYS (546-5797).

About Conexant

Conexant Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in semiconductor system solutions for communications applications, leverages its expertise in mixed-signal processing to deliver integrated systems and semiconductor products through two separate businesses.

The Broadband Communications business develops and delivers integrated solutions that enable digital entertainment and information networks for the home and small office. Mindspeed Technologies(TM), the company's Internet infrastructure business, designs, develops and sells a complete portfolio of semiconductor networking solutions that facilitate the aggregation, transmission and switching of data, video and voice from the edge of the Internet to linked metropolitan area networks and long-haul networks.

Conexant, headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., delivered revenues of $1.1 billion for fiscal 2001. The company is a member of the Nasdaq-100 market index. To learn more, visit us at www.conexant.com or www.mindspeed.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains statements relating to future results of Conexant (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global economic and market conditions, such as the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and the markets addressed by the company's and its customers' products; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products; successful development of new products; the timing of new product introductions; the availability of manufacturing capacity; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; product obsolescence; the ability to develop and implement new technologies and to obtain protection for the related intellectual property; the successful separation of the company's broadband communications and Internet infrastructure businesses; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and the uncertainties of litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the security and safety risks of our employees and of company facilities and those risks and uncertainties detailed from time-to-time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Note to Editors: Conexant and Mindspeed are trademarks of Conexant Systems, Inc. Other brands and names contained in this release are the property of their respective owners.