San Francisco (ip-192.com): In an effort to take the hassle out of setting up a router, Cisco has released its first consumer router. Called Cisco Valet, the 802.11n router comes with a USB set-up key. Instead of configuring dozens of settings through a complicated Web-based interface, all users have to do is insert the key into a USB port on their computer, connect the router to a broadband connection, and turn it on. After that, the router software starts automatically and configures a wireless home network.
"Consumers have felt powerless and frustrated with the entire process of home wireless, but with Valet we are tearing down the walls and opening it up to everyone," said Jonathan Kaplan, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Consumer Products. "The market for wireless-enabled products is exploding and now mainstream users will be able to take full advantage of all the new opportunities."
The software on the Valet router will determine the best setting possible for the location, enable WPA2, and generate a network name and a WPA2 password. If the user accepts the settings, the set-up completes and the software called Cisco Connect will save all the information to a USB key. The user can then use the key to easily connect other devices to the network.
Cisco's Valet provides a new level of control for parents with simple tools to manage their family's online experience. Time to access the Internet can be preset, so kids get some time to sleep at night or play over the weekend. The feature also allows parents to limit access to certain sites only. A guest network is created automatically to allow Wi-Fi access with or without a password. However, files shared within the network remain restricted and are not accessible to guests.
Cisco Valet routers come in two flavors – either with one or two antennas. The later version is designed to cover larger homes with a Wi-Fi range about 20 percent greater than the standard version. It typically retails for around $150, the one antenna version is available for around $100. A wireless card called Valet Connector allows adding older computers to the wireless network. The card retails for about $80. Cisco ships the router with a USB key, Ethernet cable and a power adapter.
More information is available on Cisco's website here.
Photos: Cisco Systems, Inc.
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