Cisco's latest Smart WiFi Router, the EA6500, features six antennas and 802.11ac wireless technology.
Cisco is raising the bar on wireless
networking and connectivity with its latest two offerings, the Linksys Smart
WiFi Router and compatible Universal Media Connector, both powered by
next-generation 802.11ac wireless technology. Cisco said the 802.11ac standard
allows for up to three times faster wireless speeds. The router will be
available through major retail outlets in August, and the Universal Media
Connector is expected to follow in September, though Cisco did not offer information
on price.
The Linksys EA6500 router contains six internal 3D antennas for mounting on
walls or horizontal surfaces, and is backward-compatible with prior wireless
networks and devices using 802.11a/b/g/n, so the new router can be linked to
legacy WiFi networks. Notebook, smartphone and other mobile device
manufacturers are expected to start introducing 802.11ac products toward the end
of this year. In addition, the EA6500 sports a new, more streamlined and
stylish design inspired by the Linksys E4200 model.
The EA6500 also comes packaged with Cisco Connect Cloud, the companys cloud
platform that provides any time, anywhere access to the home network and its
connected devices from a Web browser or mobile device like a tablet. A range of
applications from Cisco and third-party developers are available for devices
running Apples iOS or Google Android operating systems.
There are six new developer apps, including HipPlay, an app that lets users
search and "beam" online videos to a Smart TV or AirPlay compatible
device, and Twonky Video, a mobile browser for smartphones and tablets to
browse online video services. Cisco also introduced SimpleTap, which lets users
connect devices to the router with the touch of a button or with a swipe or
scan of a device or tag. The company also announced the opening of its Linksys
Developer Community to assist app developers interested in working with Cisco
to expand the Cisco Connect Cloud home network platform for Linksys routers.
The Linksys Universal Media Connector, which is optimized to work with the EA6500
router, lets users connect wired devices such as smart TVs and game consoles to
their WiFi network and stream high-definition or 3D HD video content
wirelessly. The connector, which operates in the 5GHz bandCisco said this
spectrum band provides a cleaner signaloffers four gigabit ports for multiple
device connections.
"The power of 802.11ac technology, coupled with Linksys Smart WiFi
Routers, our game-changing new software platform and mobile capabilities, enables
all new experiences in and out of the home that consumers can't get with any
other solution," Brett Wingo, vice president and general manager of Cisco
Home Networking said in prepared remarks. "As consumers begin the
transition to the new WiFi technology, Linksys is introducing a solution that
not only includes a powerful product, but has new innovation that enables them
to stay connected to their devices and home wireless networks from anywhere,
any time."
Nathan Eddy is Associate Editor, Midmarket, at eWEEK.com. Before joining eWEEK.com, Nate was a writer with ChannelWeb and he served as an editor at FierceMarkets. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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