Cisco Systems unveiled a new Linksys router lineup Wednesday that promises to make it easier for consumers to customize and control their home wireless networks. Cisco also is copying the design simplicity of its Flip Video products in a new wireless router called Valet.
The new Linksys E-series devices are intended to serve the company’s core technology-minded consumer base, while the new Valet is “home wireless made easy,” said Cisco Systems Senior Vice President Jonathan Kaplan.
“Consumers have felt powerless and frustrated with the entire process of home wireless, but with Valet we are tearing down the walls and opening it up to everyone,” Kaplan said. “The market for wireless-enabled products is exploding and now mainstream users will be able to take full advantage of all the new opportunities.”
Valet and Valet Plus
Cisco’s push to make wireless routing easier for consumers is based on the perception that there remains room for growth. According to IDC, only one-third of U.S. homes are set up for wireless use.
Valet ships with Cisco Connect software that reduces the complexity of getting a home wireless network up and running to three steps. Moreover, the USB-enabled setup key that ships with each unit retains all setup information, allowing users to add computing devices to the network at any time by inserting the key and letting Cisco’s software do the rest.
Once the home wireless system is up and running, users can set parental controls as well as provide Internet access for guests on a separate guest network. Parents also will be able to use Cisco Connect to limit children’s web usage to certain days and times, or even for temporary periods.
The Valet, which is suitable for small to midsize homes with primarily wireless devices, is priced at $99.99. The Valet Plus, for midsize to large homes…
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