The IT Nerd

Today must have been a banner day for Cisco as they sent me three separate press releases. First they sent me news on their first 802.11 ac Router:

The new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with AC technology is backwards compatible with prior wireless networks and devices using 802.11a/b/g/n. This assures consumers can upgrade to the new Linksys 802.11ac products and still have full interoperability with legacy Wi-Fi devices. As new 802.11ac devices such as smartphones and tablets enter the market, consumers will be able to take full advantage of the new capabilities and power with their Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router that offers 802.11ac performance.

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router EA6500 contains six internal 3D antennae that are designed to insure the same performance whether placed on a desktop or mounted against the wall. Additionally, it features an elegant new design that was inspired by the award-winning Linksys E4200 model to complement any home décor.

802.11 ac Is the next generation of WiFi access. Devices will be moving to this standard over the next year or two. Thus, you should factor this into your purchasing decision. Next up is the news that there is a new cloud platform for Linksys routers:

Cisco also announced the availability of its Cisco Connect Cloud mobile app which provides easy access to Cisco Connect Cloud on a smartphone or tablet, while at home or on the go. One breakthrough feature with Cisco Connect Cloud is SimpleTap. SimpleTap lets consumers connect devices to their Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with as little as one tap of a button or with a quick swipe or scan of a device or tag, making it easier than ever to add devices to the network.

Additionally, Cisco unveiled the first set of mobile apps from third party developers that provide extended experiences to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers. There are six new developer apps including an app that lets people search and “beam” online videos to a Smart TV or AirPlay® compatible device; an app that helps install home monitoring cameras and enables monitoring at home and on the go; and apps that give parents easy ways to keep their children safe online, even when mom and dad are not at home.

“We are changing the game when it comes to the connected home by ushering in a whole new level of experiences, simplicity and convenience,” said Brett Wingo, vice president and general manager, Cisco Home Networking. “The next-generation connected home is being brought to life for our customers with Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers, Cisco Connect Cloud, apps and our partnerships across the industry.”

This is clearly a shot across the bow of Apple and iCloud. That’s good for consumers as choice drives innovation. Finally, Cisco announced the fact that they are inviting developers to develop apps Services for Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers:

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers are powered by a unique cloud-based architecture that can be leveraged by developers as they create apps for any consumer electronic device. The community is designed to make the development of apps simple with an easy to use software developer kit (SDK), quick tutorials and sample code.

“We are on the cusp of a major transformation in the home where the network can enable experiences that consumers never dreamed possible. The sky is the limit for developers with our new software platform and Linksys Developer Community,” said Vikas Butaney, director of product management for Cisco Home Networking. “From simple experiences allowing consumers to manage their home remotely to complex solutions, developers can benefit by creating value-added solutions for consumers.”

Third party development is a good thing as it accelerates the advancement of the platform as a whole. It’s good to hear that Cisco is really pushing this along. It’s another thing that benefits consumers.

I wonder if another company will come out with this much news in a single day tomorrow?

Cisco contacted me to let me know that they have a new line of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers that will hit the streets soon. There are three models available:

Linksys EA4500

• Wireless-N Dual-Band (Up to 900 Mpbs**)
• App Enabled
• 4 Gigabit Ports
• USB Port
• DNLA Media Server
• Basic Parental Controls
• Guest Access

Price: $199

Linksys EA3500

• Wireless-N Dual-Band (Up to 750 Mpbs**)
• App Enabled
• 4 Gigabit Ports
• USB Port
• Basic Parental Controls
• Guest Access

Price: $139

Linksys EA2700

•Wireless-N Dual-Band (Up to 600 Mpbs**)
•App Enabled
• 4 Gigabit Ports
•Basic Parental Controls
•Guest Access

Price: $99
According to Cisco, the new routers deliver the latest home Wi-Fi technology which easily handle everything from streaming HD video and multiplayer gaming to downloading large files, adding storage or printers, and connecting multiple devices. Then there’s Cisco Connect software, which provides simple anytime, anywhere management of multiple home networks. Cisco also announced it is working with top device manufacturers to simplify their networked products, (such as TVs, entertainment devices and home appliances) enabling new consumer experiences in the future. Whirlpool and more than two dozen other industry-leading companies, app developers and service providers who view the home network as a new frontier for providing innovative solutions for consumers are on board. Finally the company announced that there’s Cisco Connect Cloud which works with new Linksys EA-Series products and enhances the users’ experience by giving them anytime, anywhere access to multiple home networks, from their smart mobile device, tablet app or web browser.

They routers should be in stores on April 13th. Cisco Connect Cloud will be available in Canada in June.