Cisco Announces Next-Generation Linksys Wireless Routers and Switches Launching in Canada

Home Wireless Leader Unveils Sleek New Design with Unmatched Performance for Premium Video, Gaming, and Entertainment Experiences

Toronto, ON, May 26, 2011– Today Cisco is continuing its legacy of leadership in home networking with the Canadian 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 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.

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 Internet-enabled 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.

Untapped Home Wireless Market

“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 Brett Wingo, general manager, Cisco Home Networking business unit.  “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 and iTunes.”

According to industry research group IDC, approximately 43% of Canadian households actively own and use wireless routers.  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 Canada, Canadian January 2011 Consumer Electronics Install Base: TVs, TV Accessories, Routers, PCs, Mobile Phones, and Media Tablets, Doc #CA1CT11, March 2011).  

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

Model	Linksys E1200 Wireless-N Router	Linksys E1500 Wireless-N Router with SpeedBoost	Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band Wireless-N Router	Linksys E3200 High Performance Dual-Band  N Router	Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N Router
SRP	$59.99	$79.99	$99.99	$159.99	$189.99
Bands	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz	Simultaneous Dual-Band 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz	Simultaneous Dual-Band 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz	Simultaneous Dual-Band 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
Speed*	Up to 300 Mbps	Up to 300 Mbps	Up to 300 + 300 Mbps	Up to 300 + 300 Mbps	Up to 300 + 450 Mbps
Transmit/Receive	2 x 2	2 x 3	2 x 2	2x3	2.4 GHz: 2x3 5 GHz: 3x3
Amplifiers	Integrated On-chip	External Off-chip	Integrated On-chip	External Off-chip High Power	External Off-chip High Power
Ports	4 x 10/100	4 x 10/100	4 x 10/100	4 x Gigabit USB	4 x Gigabit USB
USB Features	N/A	N/A	N/A	Shared Storage Virtual USB**	Shared Storage Virtual USB** Media Server
Parental Controls	Time of Day Access, Domain Blocking
Customer Support	Award-winning 24/7 support