Linksys Optimizes Digital Media Streaming with New ULTRA RangePlus Wireless-N Line

Linksys, a Division of Cisco, the leading provider of VoIP, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer and small business environments, today announced Ultra RangePlus, its new premium line of home networking products. Ultra RangePlus is a family of products for consumers who are looking to maximize both the performance and range of their wireless networks*. The first available products from the family are the Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WRT600N) and the Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N Notebook Adapter (WPC600N).

Greater Wireless Network Coverage

The WRT600N is designed to transmit simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless spectrums to provide greater wireless network coverage and transmission speeds. Consumers can connect their traditional wireless networking devices, such as PCs, VoiceOverIP products, and printers, to the WRT600N in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, while utilizing the additional 5 GHz spectrum to optimize the performance of latency-sensitive devices like Media Center Extenders, Set Top Boxes, or gaming PCs.

“Simultaneous Dual-band Wireless-N is an important technology as consumers continue to move more entertainment content throughout the Connected Home,” said Mani Dhillon, director, product marketing, Linksys Consumer Business Organization. “The 5 GHz spectrum is less crowded, offers more channels, and is less prone to interference from neighboring networks, allowing advanced applications like streaming HDTV to rooms throughout a home to become a reality.”

Linksys Easy Link Advisor

Linksys Easy Link Advisor (LELA) is included with the WRT600N to help consumers install and manage their home networks. LELA takes the consumer on an uncomplicated, illustrated journey toward secure home network setup without the need for knowledge of technical jargon such as SSID, MAC address, or WPA. The user simply launches the application on their PC and follows the instructions that include adding PCs, enabling security, and automatic mapping of the newly created network.

Devices, such as network printers, IP cameras, or network attached storage, that may have been present on previously installed wireless networks can be easily migrated to the newly created Ultra RangePlus-based network using LELA. To further empower the consumer, LELA also includes troubleshooting tools and a easy-to-read list of all network information, including IP addresses and connection status.

Storage Link

With Storage Link, USB 2.0 storage devices, including inexpensive external USB drives, can become networked attached storage by simply plugging into the WRT600N. The contents of a connected drive can be accessed by anyone allowed access to the network without the installation of any custom software, making StorageLink the ideal solution for sharing files, digital music, videos, or pictures. For digital entertainment, its always-on media server functionality enables users to stream digital media to any UPnP-enabled digital media adapter without the use of a PC.

Pricing and Availability
Both the WRT600N and WPC600N are available now through Linksys e-commerce resellers at estimated street prices of $279.99 and $99.99 respectively. Additional Ultra RangePlus products, including USB and ExpressCard adapters will be available in the first quarter of 2008 from retail, direct response, and VAR partners.

About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the recognized leader in Voice, Wireless and Ethernet networking hardware for consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications. Linksys provides award-winning product support to its customers. For more information, visit www.linksys.com.