Wireless-N shocker! Cisco announces E-Series line of home routers
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted March 31st 2010 1:56PM
posted March 31st 2010 1:56PM
If we know you, you're about ready to bathe your place of residence in some of those 802.11n waves you've been hearing so much about. Well, you're in luck -- the cats at Cisco have announces the Linksys E-Series line of routers for your home, flat, or small business. All of these bad boys feature the all new Cisco Connect software (with exhaustive parental control and a separate password-protected guest network). Priced between $80 and $180, select models include Gigabit Ethernet, UPnP AV Media Server, external storage via USB, Linux, and more. Available now at Amazon, Staples, and Linksys. For the whole sordid tale, peep the PR after the break.
Cisco Launches New Linksys E-Series Routers
Line of Powerful Wireless-N Routers Provides Tech Enthusiasts with the Ultimate Customization and Control of their Home Networking Experience
SAN FRANCISCO, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- Cisco today unveiled a new line of Linksys® wireless routers, designed to let its core audience of tech experts and enthusiasts take their home networking experience to the next level. The new, streamlined product lineup sets a new precedent for simplicity, power, and performance and makes it easy for consumers to find the right technology to fit their needs. The line also includes new Cisco Connect software, which gives users tools for easier customization and control of their home wireless experience.
"Linksys pioneered the first home router 10 years ago, and 50 million units later is the world's leading provider of home wireless routers," said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Consumer Products. "The new E-Series caters to Linksys' core technology-minded consumer base, with a simplified product line-up that is ideal for today's sophisticated home network user."
Cisco Connect Software: Simple Setup with Advanced Capabilities
With the addition of the new Cisco Connect software, the new Linksys E-Series is designed to make it easier for users to customize and control their wireless network settings to match their preferences. With a quick and easy setup, the software auto-assigns the WPA security passkey and SSID. Once configured, users can use Cisco Connect to easily manage their wireless home network by:
* Adding multiple Internet-capable devices to the network
* Setting parental controls for each computer or device
* Giving visitors password-protected Internet access on a separate guest network
* Customizing advanced settings and changing the network SSID and password
For the advanced user, Linksys' advanced features are still available through the default IP address (192.168.1.1).
Product Descriptions and Pricing
The new Linksys E-Series line offers a full range of technology options to help users find what works best for them. The new line, including a USB Wireless-N Adapter, is available immediately at Amazon, Staples, Linksys.com, and soon at Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and other leading retailers.
Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $79.99)
* Wirelessly connects computers and other devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
* Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
* Ideal for general wireless Internet usage and home office productivity
Linksys E2000 Advanced Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $119.99)
* Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other Gigabit-enabled devices, including computers, hard drives, and servers
* Features selectable dual-band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) technology to help avoid interference, allowing for smoother file transfers and media streaming
* Ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys E2100L Advanced Wireless-N Router with Linux OS: (MSRP: $119.99)
* Utilizes the Linux operating system for flexibility to customize the network
* Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
* Built-in UPnP AV Media Server streams entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device
* USB port provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet
Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless-N Router (Dual-Band): (MSRP: $179.99)
* Features simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), high-performance Wireless-N technology for smoother HD video streaming, wireless gaming and file transfers
* Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other USB port and provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet
* Built-in UPnP AV media server enables streaming of entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device
* Optimized for entertainment, ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys AE1000 High-Performance Wireless-N USB Adapter: (MSRP: $69.99)
* Provides Wireless-N capability to Windows desktop computers and laptops
* Selectable dual-band wireless-N - connects to either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless network
* Includes USB extension cable and adapter base for improved wireless connectivity - ideal for hard-to-reach USB ports
Follow Us:
* Become a Cisco Linksys Facebook fan: www.facebook.com/ciscolinksys
* Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/officiallinksys
* Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/officiallinksys
* Cisco Consumer Blogs: http://blogs.cisco.com/consumer
Line of Powerful Wireless-N Routers Provides Tech Enthusiasts with the Ultimate Customization and Control of their Home Networking Experience
SAN FRANCISCO, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- Cisco today unveiled a new line of Linksys® wireless routers, designed to let its core audience of tech experts and enthusiasts take their home networking experience to the next level. The new, streamlined product lineup sets a new precedent for simplicity, power, and performance and makes it easy for consumers to find the right technology to fit their needs. The line also includes new Cisco Connect software, which gives users tools for easier customization and control of their home wireless experience.
"Linksys pioneered the first home router 10 years ago, and 50 million units later is the world's leading provider of home wireless routers," said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Consumer Products. "The new E-Series caters to Linksys' core technology-minded consumer base, with a simplified product line-up that is ideal for today's sophisticated home network user."
Cisco Connect Software: Simple Setup with Advanced Capabilities
With the addition of the new Cisco Connect software, the new Linksys E-Series is designed to make it easier for users to customize and control their wireless network settings to match their preferences. With a quick and easy setup, the software auto-assigns the WPA security passkey and SSID. Once configured, users can use Cisco Connect to easily manage their wireless home network by:
* Adding multiple Internet-capable devices to the network
* Setting parental controls for each computer or device
* Giving visitors password-protected Internet access on a separate guest network
* Customizing advanced settings and changing the network SSID and password
For the advanced user, Linksys' advanced features are still available through the default IP address (192.168.1.1).
Product Descriptions and Pricing
The new Linksys E-Series line offers a full range of technology options to help users find what works best for them. The new line, including a USB Wireless-N Adapter, is available immediately at Amazon, Staples, Linksys.com, and soon at Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and other leading retailers.
Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $79.99)
* Wirelessly connects computers and other devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
* Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
* Ideal for general wireless Internet usage and home office productivity
Linksys E2000 Advanced Wireless-N Router (MSRP: $119.99)
* Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other Gigabit-enabled devices, including computers, hard drives, and servers
* Features selectable dual-band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) technology to help avoid interference, allowing for smoother file transfers and media streaming
* Ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys E2100L Advanced Wireless-N Router with Linux OS: (MSRP: $119.99)
* Utilizes the Linux operating system for flexibility to customize the network
* Uses four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
* Built-in UPnP AV Media Server streams entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device
* USB port provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet
Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless-N Router (Dual-Band): (MSRP: $179.99)
* Features simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), high-performance Wireless-N technology for smoother HD video streaming, wireless gaming and file transfers
* Includes four Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for faster file sharing with other USB port and provides connectivity to storage devices for file sharing at home or over the Internet
* Built-in UPnP AV media server enables streaming of entertainment content to an Xbox 360, PS3 or other compatible device
* Optimized for entertainment, ideal for connecting computers, gaming consoles, Internet-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, and other wireless devices at transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps
Linksys AE1000 High-Performance Wireless-N USB Adapter: (MSRP: $69.99)
* Provides Wireless-N capability to Windows desktop computers and laptops
* Selectable dual-band wireless-N - connects to either a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless network
* Includes USB extension cable and adapter base for improved wireless connectivity - ideal for hard-to-reach USB ports
Follow Us:
* Become a Cisco Linksys Facebook fan: www.facebook.com/ciscolinksys
* Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/officiallinksys
* Watch us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/officiallinksys
* Cisco Consumer Blogs: http://blogs.cisco.com/consumer
@htd In a perfect universe where the vendors agree with IEEE and there is no legacy WiFi, the 11n protocol is designed to go upto 666 Mbps. Yep that number is the number of the beast.
hmmm... it seems my Jedi mind tricks are no use to CompleteShortStories mind
do. not. want. cisco/linksys is notorious for terrible firmware on their routers. just look at all the refurbs and returns.
now if these get adopted into the DD-WRT fold then i'll consider snagging a refurbished model on the cheap from amazon. until then, do not want.
@willowtwf
The E2100L mentioned in the article runs Linux, but it is common practice for hardware manufacturers to completely cripple the hardware that is made to work with open software, and Cisco is no exception. Look at the differences between E2000 with proprietary software and the E2100L with Linux. Same price, but the Linux is minus gigabit ethernet, 5 GHz, and one antenna. Total BS to overpay for an underpowered device just because it has open software.
I really want to see how E3000 streams AV from USB external hard drive and how compatible it is with devices on the network....
After the trouble I've had with three separate Linksys WRT54Gv2 routers, I'll be staying away from them.
Why only 10/100 on the Linux router??
@IshimaruKenta
I can only hope they E3000 also has linux. Well I'm assuming they all do to one degree or another. Hopefully they E3000 is as easy to configure/update as the E2100L
Ive bought two linksys routers over the last few years and they always manage to die just out of warranty, no more, moved back over to Netgear .
Well I hope the guys at dd-wrt find a way to get all this new stuff to work with their firmware!
can you attach printer to the USB port?
On the shelves at Best Buy, too.
DD-WRT what?
Who runs the stock firmware anymore? Why would you pay more for something you can get free, and with more features, like being able to override the FCC default power settings for the wireless antenna?
Other than price - what's the difference between these and the new Valet's announced earlier?
I still have a sour taste in my mouth from old Linksys routers that regularly need me to crawl under my desk to unplug/replug to reset because of poor routing.
The e3000 is just a rename of the wrt610n v2. So if you have a wrt610n no need to upgrade. If you want the upgrade just write e3000 on your router .
No external antennas + probably not supported by third-party firmware yet = Who cares?
I haven't even gone to a Wireless-N router yet...my flashed WRT54G is still chugging along, and nothing in my apartment even supports Wireless-N at the moment. Maybe when I get my next laptop...
@TxdoHawk
true with the external antennas, very usefull to replace stock ones with high gain or even ones mounted higher up.
i would test with a newer router just for kicks, my friend swore on his wrt until he tested before and after with a dlink N router, the difference was 4mpbs dl speed avg with wrt then with the new router he got avg 10mpbs dl speed, advantage, new router, newer processors newer components etc.. more bandwith. i get 15-20mbps on my N router.
Its probably the same internals as the other stupid ufo linksys routers that just overheat and crash. Linksys will also delete all the support threads from the forums, never buy a linksys!
Is it USB 2.0 or USB 3.0?
I was looking at a fast router that had a USB port for file storage/access. I have ton of 8 older USB drives hooked up to a 8 port USB 2.0 hub - wanted to upgrade that to USB 3.0 so when I start collecting USB 3.0 external hard drives I can maximize the speed throughput.
Can it accept antennas extensions?
@(Unverified) usb 3 is still going to be too expensive to be viable for a couple months at least, i wouldnt worry because your current router will be outdated by the time your switching to 3.0 anyways, plus most likley your not going to be able to use the 4.8gbps speeds of a usb 3.0 anyways on even a gigiabit lan, might as well stick with the 480 of usb 2.0
what do you mean ready to bathe? i already got two N routers, two G routers and two B routers flooding my house, i think i might have radiation, lol
My god, when I read the headline I though that e-series was a new draft to superseed N. Now excuse me while I quell my beating heart.
When are MIMO 4x4 products coming?
All I want to know is whether or not DD-WRT runs on it. My guy is telling me "no".
@kompulsive It will sooner or later ;-)
@heffeque I have the utmost confidence in the DD-WRT team, but there's no guarantee that support for this particular device will become any sort of priority. We'll just have to wait and see I suppose.
@Plazmic Flame
this word fail is getting old. I know, I know, it's not your fault; your simply following the crowd.
But regarding the router, I agree, it's not a big improvment over my 600N which came out about 2 years ago. Maybe if they came out with a N router with some sort of MIMO tech, but from my understanding, my router might already have that becasue of it's multiple antenna's. Carlify if you wish..
Herb
@craiggger
in my opinion the 600n was ad still is the flagship of the lynksis n routers. if not i woul of never done this to my 610n. they're are just cheap trying to cut production cost by eliminating real antennas.
This is actually the most idiot concept that they possibly could have come out with. Let's see if we can go through their designer's heads:
Problem: Our web interface is cumbersome and unintuitive to use.
Solution: Replace the web interface with a desktop application that only runs on windows and will do nothing to help people trying to connect the millions of non-PC network devices that will be popularized over the next few years.
Logic: Web design is hard.