Cisco Announces Next-Generation Linksys Wireless Routers and Switches

SAN FRANCISCO, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Cisco® is continuing its legacy of leadership in home networking with the launch of its new Linksys® E-Series family − a complete suite of powerful and easy-to-use next-generation Wireless-N routers and switches. With Internet video consumption exploding and sales of wireless-enabled products such as tablets and game consoles steadily growing, consumers are seeking greater performance, reliability and simplicity from their home wireless networks.  The new Linksys Wireless-N routers and switches, available today, offer a complete range of options that set a new standard for speed, range, and ease-of-use, while also sporting a visually-appealing new design.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110405/LA77247)

The new Linksys E-Series lineup includes five routers, each with the latest technology in home wireless for a multitude of home entertainment experiences. The new routers not only provide the performance needed for today's connected home, but also help to future-proof for new and emerging media technologies that are gaining traction with consumers such as Netflix-ready TVs, BluRay players, and game consoles, as well as Cisco's umi telepresence. Designed with faster speeds (up to 450 Mbps*), other key features for select routers in the line include a 3x3 spatial stream configuration for improved coverage, external power amplifiers to maintain signal strength over a greater distance and reduce dead spots, and virtual USB technology** to connect USB printers, storage, and other devices to the network. The full line also boasts a new industrial design that combines sleek contours and advanced functionality − recently earning the prestigious 2011 Red Dot Product Design Award for product design, innovation and quality.

"With more than 70 million routers sold, Linksys brings a decade of leadership and innovation to create products that consumers trust for the best wireless quality, performance and experience," said Simon Fleming-Wood, vice president of marketing, Cisco Consumer Products.  "Our new Linksys line offers an array of solutions for the needs of today's home networking consumer and is optimized for premium video experiences such as those available through Netflix, Hulu, and iTunes."

According to industry research group IDC, only 39% of US homes have wireless, while only 11% are using Wireless-N technology.  Over the next five years Wireless-N adoption is expected to nearly double due to the growth of wireless connected devices such as tablets, smartphones, and Internet-enabled TVs that require the latest wireless technology for optimal performance. (IDC, Worldwide Home Networking 2010-2014 Forecast Update, Doc.# 225479, Nov. 2010)

Cisco Connect Software Enables Easy Setup and Network Management

Each of the Linksys E-Series routers includes the acclaimed Cisco Connect software that enables consumers to set up and manage their wireless home network effortlessly.  Unlike other wireless products that require 20 to 30 complicated steps to set up a single computer, Cisco Connect takes the user through three simple steps from start to finish.  The included Cisco Connect software makes it easy to: 1) add additional devices to the network, 2) set parental controls, 3) provide Internet access for guests on a separate guest network and 4) customize personal security settings such as passwords. Advanced users can also configure and manage their routers via a web browser.

The new routers feature the latest version of Cisco Connect, which now includes an Internet Speed Test that can check the bandwidth and speed of a user's Internet connection.

E-Series Wireless-N Routers

New Switches Enable Easy Network Expansion and Power Saving Modes

The three new Linksys switches enable faster and simpler wired connections. New features include plug and play of Ethernet-enabled devices, Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization, auto-sensing ports, and power saving features.

Switches

Pricing and Availability

There are eight new products in the Linksys family -- five routers and three switches. The suggested retail prices for the routers range from $59.99 to $179.99.  Prices of the switches range from $29.99 to $74.99. The full line of Linksys routers and switches is available starting today at retailers nationwide or by visiting the Linksys website at www.linksys.com/store.

About Cisco

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco's vision for the consumer is to enable people to live a connected life that is more personal, more social, and more visual. Further information about Cisco and its full line of consumer products including Linksys, Valet and Flip Video can be found at www.linksys.com, www.thevalet.com, www.theflip.com, and www.cisco.com/consumer.

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*The maximum performance for wireless is derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual performance can vary, and might result in lower wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range and coverage. Performance depends on many factors, conditions and variables, including distance from the access point, volume of network traffic, environment building materials and construction, operating system used, mix of wireless products used, interference and other adverse conditions.  To achieve up to 450 Mbps routers must be paired with 3X3 adapters/and or computers.

** May require a software/firmware update available for download at linksys.com/support, planned for availability Summer 2011.

Cisco, the Cisco Logo and Linksys are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

SOURCE Cisco Consumer Products