A couple of days ago, Cisco showed us their new suite of Linksys home networking solutions which includes a refresh of their gorgeously designed E-series Wireless N routers as well as a bunch of Wireless-N peripherals. Don’t be confused with the brand, Cisco acquired Linksys in 2003 and is slowly killing off the brand by making the Cisco brand more prominent on their products.
Cisco’s new products are characterized by high performance with cutting-edge technology, setting new benchmarks for speed, range and ease-of-use while featuring the latest industrial design that combines aesthetics and advanced functionality.
Linksys E-Series routers
The E-Series still being highlighted by the beautiful E4200 Wireless N router got a refresh providing speeds of up to 450Mbps. Key features include 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 and storage to the network. Don’t be fooled with the internal antenna, these routers give better range than most antenna-based routers.
Model | Linksys E1200 Wireless-N Router |
Linksys E1500 Wireless-N Router with SpeedBoost |
Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band Wireless-N Router |
Linksys E3200 High Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router |
Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router |
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Retail Price / Availability | PhP2,895 | PhP3,295 | PhP5,595 | PhP7,995 | PhP8,595 |
Simultaneous Dual Band | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Speed up to* | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 300 + 300 Mbps | 300 + 300 Mbps | 300 + 450 Mbps |
Transmit/Receive | 2 x 2 | 2 x 3 | 2 x 2 | 2 x 3 | 2.4 GHz: 2×3 / 5 GHz: 3×3 |
SpeedBoost Amplifiers | – | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
Ports | Ethernet | Ethernet | Ethernet | Gigabit | Gigabit |
Virtual USB | – | – | – | Yes | Yes + Media Server |
IPv6 support | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cisco Connect Software | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cisco also showcased various Wireless N peripherals that would complement these routers.
Linksys WES610N Dual-Band Wireless-N Entertainment Bridge
The versatile Linksys WES610N Entertainment Bridge can make any wired device a part of the home wireless network. With a built-in 4-Port Switch to easily connect multiple devices, the Linksys WES610N converts TVs, printers, computers and other wired devices to wireless. It is optimized for streaming video and is ideal for wirelessly streaming or sharing music, photos, movies and other files around the home so consumers can create their very own entertainment hub with just one device. SRP: Php6,595
Linksys RE1000 Wireless-N Range Extender
For consumers experiencing weaker signal strength or “œdead spots” in the home, the Linksys RE1000 Range Extender is the perfect companion for wider home coverage. The extender is designed to take an existing wireless signal and repeat it throughout the home to “˜extend’ the signal. The Linksys Range Extender also acts as a wireless bridge ““ connecting a wired printer, Internet enabled TV or game console to the wireless network through its integrated Ethernet port. SRP: Php3,995
Linksys Switches
The new range of Linksys switches include features to enable faster and more simple wired connections. These include plug-and-play, eliminating the need for configuration, as well as Quality of Service (QoS) auto-sensing ports and power-saving features. The power-saving modes include auto power-down to disable unused ports, sleep mode when all ports are inactive and smart power for short cable runs. The switches are ideal for consumers or home office workers seeking an alternative to wireless, connections for multiple wired devices, or simply to extend their existing network.
Linksys SE1500 5-Port Fast Ethernet Switch | Linksys SE2500 5-Port Gigabit Switch | Linksys SE2800 8-Port Gigabit Switch |
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PhP1,595 / October 2011 | PhP1,995 / October 2011 | PhP2,895 / October 2011 |
Linksys AE1000 & AE1200 Wireless-N Adaptor & Linksys AE2500 Dual Band Wireless-N Adaptor
The Linksys AE1000 and AE1200 Wireless-N Adaptor and Linksys AE2500 Dual Band Wireless-N Adaptor are ideal to upgrade computers to Wireless-N by simply plugging the adapter into a computer’s USB port. The Linksys AE1000 and AE2500 additionally offer Dual-Band Wireless-N to allow selection between the 2.4GHz band and 5 GHz band to avoid interference and maximize throughput.
Linksys AE1000 Wireless-N Adaptor | Linksys AE1200 Wireless-N Adaptor | Linksys AE2500 Dual Band Wireless-N Adaptor |
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PhP1,995/ October 2011 | PhP2,395 / [November] 2011 | PhP2,695 / [November] 2011 |