Cisco, who has undergone a major restructure in Australia, is now looking to get back into the consumer electronics and SMB markets with a new range of routers that link with a series of applications, including a “Tap” application that allows the router to recognise a Hi Fi system or a refrigerator.
Cisco, who in the past has struggled to get a foothold in storage, digital camera and media centre markets, is currently rolling out their new Smart Wi-Fi Routers (EA4500, EA3500 and EA2700) via Harvey Norman and BingLee.
Cisco also unveiled Cisco Connect Cloud, a software platform that they claim simplifies how consumers connect, control and interact with their connected devices, including personal entertainment and home appliances.
The networking company appears to be struggling with the use of the name Linksys Vs Cisco, with one side of their new packaging describing their new router as a Cisco product, while the rear of the packaging features the Linksys logo.
Linksys was a Singapore home networking Company that was acquired by Cisco several years ago.
The new app enhanced router range allows users to give three devices high priority for the purpose of streaming HD video and multiplayer gaming content.
Users can also add storage and printers to the new routers.
Cisco also announced the availability of its Cisco Connect Cloud mobile app which provides access to Cisco Connect Cloud on a smartphone or tablet.
They have also introduced a SimpleTap application that lets consumers connect devices with as little as one tap of a button or with a quick swipe or scan of a device.
Among the devices that can be connected are Onkyo receivers and Whirlpool refrigerators.
Also unveiled is a new suite of mobile apps from six third party developers. These apps include an app that lets people search and “beam” online videos to a Smart TV or AirPlay compatible device; an app that helps install home monitoring cameras and enables monitoring at home and on the go, and apps that give parents easy ways to keep their children safe online, even when mum and dad are not at home.
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers are currently available and can be purchased at the retailers listed on www.linksys.com.au.
Linksys EA-Series |
Key Features |
Ideal for |
MSRP Price |
Linksys EA4500 App Enabled Dual-Band N900 Router with Gigabit and USB
|
· Wireless-N Dual-Band (Up to 900 Mpbs**) · App Enabled · 4 Gigabit Ports · USB Port · DNLA Media Server · Basic Parental Controls · Guest Access · IPV6 |
· Large, multi-room homes and home theaters · Faster HD video streaming on Tablets, TVs and mobile devices · Connecting multiple devices · Adding storage, printers, or other devices · Adding apps via Cisco Connect Cloud |
AUD 299.95 |
Linksys EA3500 App Enabled Dual-Band N750 Router with Gigabit and USB |
· Wireless-N Dual-Band (Up to 750 Mpbs**) · App Enabled · 4 Gigabit Ports · USB Port · Basic Parental Controls · Guest Access · IPV6 |
· Active online households and home theaters · Streaming HD video and music plus multiplayer gaming · Connecting multiple devices · Adding storage, printers, or other devices ·Adding apps via Cisco Connect Cloud |
AUD 199.95
|
Linksys EA2700 App Enabled N600 Dual-Band Router with Gigabit |
·Wireless-N Dual-Band (Up to 600 Mpbs**) ·App Enabled · 4 Gigabit Ports ·Basic Parental Controls ·Guest Access ·IPV6 |
· Networking larger households and home offices · Surfing the Web, emailing and printing wirelessly · Connecting multiple devices · Streaming multimedia and gaming ·Adding apps via Cisco Connect Cloud |
AUD 149.95
|
CiscoConnect Cloud is available for free starting today. Current Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router owners will get an automatic update notification or can download the update manually at www.linksys.com.au.