Cisco Offers New Suite of Linksys Wireless Routers

Today Cisco launched its new Linksys E-Series family – a complete suite of next-generation Wireless-N routers and switches. The E-Series lineup includes five routers and three switches.

The new routers help to future-proof for new and emerging media technologies such as Netflix-ready TVs, BluRay players, and game consoles. Key features for select routers in the line include a 3×3 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.

According to industry research group IDC, only 39 percent of U.S. homes have wireless, while only 11 percent 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.

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.

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