Cisco debuts consumer routers

NETWORKING HARDWARE OUTFIT Cisco announced a range of consumer wireless routers today.

The Linksys E-Series is Cisco's attempt to get hooked in to your networked home by broadening its consumer portfolio. The company is making all the right noises for its Linksys E-Series wireless routers by adding appropriate messaging to attract ordinary punters.

Cisco claims its routers "take the hassle out" thanks to a "simplified" set up and "parental controls". The E-Series is also designed for the "entertainment needs of today's consumer", connecting all networked multi-media devices in "three simple steps" using Cisco connect. Of course four steps would be asking too much of the great unwashed.

The company is offering three flavours of routers and a USB wireless adapter. The entry level Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router has four Ethernet 10/100Mbps ports, the Linksys E2000 Advanced Wireless-N Router has 2.4GHz or 5GHz dual-band radio channels and four Gigabit ports. The top end Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless-N Router has a simultaneous dual-band channels and comes bundled with a built-in media server.

Cisco is making its claim on your networked home with a vengeance. The INQURIER reported earlier this week that the traditionally enterprise focused company is targeting home networks with its consumer portfolio. The move comes as Cisco is trying to align its hardware with similar ground covered by Skype and Polycom.

The company also came out with a consumer version of its Telepresence system. That is not surprising given the recent rumours about Cisco's alleged interest in buying out Skype.

The Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router is priced at £49.99, the Linksys E2000 Advanced Wireless-N Router goes for £79.99, the Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless-N Router costs £129.99 and the Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N USB Adapter will set you back £39.99. All of this kit should be out now. µ