Cisco announces Linksys routers and switches

NETWORK EQUIPMENT MAKER Cisco has announced an updated range of Linksys wireless routers and switches.

Cisco is continuing its push in the consumer multi-media entertainment market with the launch of its home networking Linksys E-Series family. The company has already released a range of consumer routers and a set-top box with elements of web video services for live, on-demand and recorded TV. Now Cisco is aiming its home wireless network kit at gamers and tablet buyers or anyone who is in the market for stylish wireless router.

The Linksys E-Series range has five new models, each with 802.11n WiFi. Cisco said that they are future proofed for emerging technologies. We aren't told how they are future proofed but Cisco did use the opportunity to throw in phrases like Netflix-ready TVs, Blu-ray players and game consoles in the hope of attracting punters.

The routers support up to 450Mbps and some have a 3x3 spatial stream configuration, which allegedly extends coverage. Cisco has added an external power amplifier to keep up signal strength over longer distances and keep dead spots to a minimum. It said the routers have bundled 'virtual' USB technology so you can hook up anything to the devices on a network.

There are eight new products in total with five routers and three swtiches that are all out now. The Linksys E1200 Wireless-N Router is priced at $59.99, while the Linksys E1500 Wireless-N Router with Speedboost is $79.99, the Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band Wireless-N Router is £99.99, the Linksys E3200 High Performance Dual-Band  N Router is £159.99 and the Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N Router is $179.99.

The Linksys SE1500 5-Port 10/100 Switch costs $29.99, the Linksys SE2500 5-Port Gigabit Switch is $54.99 and the Linksys SE2800 8-Port Gigabit Switch will set you back $74.99. µ