AR9220

The AR9220 is a wireless network interface controller (WNIC) chip manufactured by Atheros Communications, which was later acquired by Qualcomm. It is designed to provide Wi-Fi connectivity, typically adhering to the 802.11n standard, although it often supports earlier standards like 802.11b/g as well. This chip is commonly found in various consumer electronics devices, including laptops, routers, and other networking equipment.

The AR9220 is known for its ability to support dual-band operation, meaning it can function on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This dual-band capability allows for greater flexibility in network selection, potentially offering higher speeds and reduced interference by utilizing the less congested 5 GHz band. It typically implements MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology, which uses multiple antennas to improve data throughput and signal reliability.

Drivers for the AR9220 are available for a range of operating systems, including various versions of Windows, Linux, and macOS. Its widespread adoption in the past made it a common component in many Wi-Fi adapters and integrated solutions. While newer Atheros and Qualcomm chips have since been released, the AR9220 represented a significant step in consumer wireless networking performance during its time. Its reliability and feature set contributed to its popularity among manufacturers.