LAS VEGAS – Jan. 7, 2008 – From the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show, Linksys®, a Division of Cisco, the leading provider of VoIP, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer and small business environments, today announced a new and improved version of the Linksys EasyLink Advisor (LELA). Linksys EasyLink Advisor delivers an easy and fun approach to setting up and controlling home networks and devices connected to them. With LELA, home networking is no longer solely the domain of tech enthusiasts. It simplifies the process of setting up home networking devices, and helps assure that all devices and connections are safe and highly secure. The new version also features live technical support via its embedded WebEx client and educational tools to help consumers make the most of their home networks.

“Setting up a wireless network has never been easier, just plug it in, follow the steps and let Linksys EasyLink Advisor handle the rest. But the most important thing about LELA is that it doesn’t stop there – it goes way beyond installation,” said Greg Memo, vice president and general manager, Consumer Business Organization, Linksys. “EasyLink Advisor will monitor your network, keep it up-to-date, and notify you when a new device is accessing your network. It is your personal technology expert.”

It just works!
Linksys EasyLink Advisor takes away the technical hassle when setting up a new wireless network. It can help to set up a router with a series of simple questions, automatically checks the network for alerts about updates that are available for the router, and helps to securely configure connected devices and computers. LELA also automatically checks the PC and network for existing conditions that may hinder the installation and attempts to resolve any potential conflicts. No passwords or confusing network terminology are required. It just works!

Visual experience
When Linksys EasyLink Advisor is installed on a PC connected to your network, a visual overview or network map of all the devices connected to your network is created that provides an easy way to quickly view the status of the network. When a new device is connected, LELA will automatically discover the device and add it to the network map. Advanced users who like to further tailor the settings of their network and devices can launch the advanced configuration via the traditional Web GUI method from within the EasyLink Advisor interface.

Troubleshooting without hassle
If a device is not properly connected to the network, the user can easily view the EasyLink Advisor network map to determine where the problem originates. LELA also includes a status box that provides real-time alerts regarding the health and performance of the network. This area also offers wizards for troubleshooting and helping to repair any connectivity issues the user may notice.

Easy access to network information
Router and device setting information is readily available through Linksys Easy Link Advisor, which gathers and displays detailed technical information from various device configuration pages. When a call to a Linksys technician is required to solve an issue, the user can now easily access the router model, firmware version, and password, along with other important network information from one location.

Additional Services
Built as a software platform, EasyLink Advisor will enable Linksys to develop additional services over time. Features such as parental control, online storage, or tools to enable photo sharing with friends and family are possible.

Availability
The Linksys EasyLink Advisor Setup Wizard will begin to appear on the WRT310N and WRT160N Ultra RangePlus routers in the first quarter of 2008. Linksys will also supply LELA with other routers and networking devices over the coming months.

About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems Inc., (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the recognized global leader in voice, Wireless and Ethernet networking for consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides award-winning product support to its customers. For more information, visit www.linksys.com.

Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Other brands and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Copyright © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.