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Linksys
Release date: July 31, 2006
Linksys Announces Wireless Networking Products for Small Businesses Based on 802.11n Draft Specification
Wireless-N Lineup Optimizes Network Performance for Wireless Voice, Internet and Video with Security Features and System Management Designed for Small Businesses
IRVINE, Calif., July 31 / - LinksysŪ, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc., the recognized leading provider of voice, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and small business customer, today announced a line-up of Wireless-N products in its Small Business Series: Wireless-N Access Point (WAP4400N), Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN (WRVS4400N) and Wireless-N CardBus Adapter (WPC4400N). These are the first Wireless-N products, based on the 802.11n draft specification which are designed and developed specifically for the small business environment.
Designed to offer improved range and throughput, above wireless-G* products, and robust security features, the WAP4400N, WRVS4400N and WPC300N deliver the capacity for small businesses to wirelessly share data, use applications, access the Internet, or make Internet phone calls - all at the same time at speeds greater than 10/100 Ethernet and with confidence that their network is highly secure. With whole-office coverage that virtually eliminates dead spots, Wireless-N enables business users the freedom to work, collaborate, and be productive everywhere, without the hassle of being tethered via wires.
"We wanted to offer wireless solutions that small businesses could use, set up and afford with the features they need to run their business effectively," said David Tucker, senior director of product marketing, Linksys Small Business Systems Business Unit. "Many of today's small businesses purchase consumer products that may not provide all the features they need or enterprise products which may be too expensive or difficult to use and install. We've taken a very direct approach to servicing the small business with products that were designed specifically for them."
The new small business products offer features that are not found in the currently shipping wireless-N products for home users:
o 4 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ports (Router) or 1 10/100/1000 Gigabit Port (AP) o Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) (Router only) o 802.1x client authentication o Power Over Ethernet (PoE) (AP Only) o Roaming (AP only) o Wireless Multimedia Support (WMM) o IPSec VPN Support (Router only) o WPA-PSK/ENT and WPA2-PSK2/ENT Security Supported o Linksys developed - Wireless Security Monitor (AP and PC Card only)
Security
Linksys products are designed to support all security encryption standards including WEP, WPA and WPA2. The WRVS4400N router has incorporated advanced firewall and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) features, that will complement anti-virus software on PCs, to help secure the network from external threats including worms, trojan horses, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and viruses. The software is free for a trial period of one year and then for a small price for ongoing use. Pricing will be announced upon availability of the router. The IP Sec VPN tunnels give mobile workers a secure and easy to use way to stay connected. In addition, the VPN "gateway to gateway" IPSec tunnels facilitate branch office connectivity through encrypted virtual links.
Linksys also has incorporated an internally developed Wireless Client Monitoring application on the PC Card and Access Point. This application provides rouge AP and client detection on the network so small businesses are alerted when un-welcomed clients or access points show up on their network. The AP and PC Cards also work as wireless monitoring probes to increase client coverage and enable seamless roaming from AP to AP. This client utility could also replace expensive management servers, providing reports on channel usage SSIDs in use and activity logs.
Mixed Mode Operation and Backward Compatibility
Two additional key pieces of the 802.11n Draft Specification are the requirements that products provide both mixed mode operation and backward compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11b. Mixed mode operation designates that, unlike previous proprietary networking technologies, 802.11n networks must maintain optimum speeds when operating with legacy products. Backward compatibility helps to enable existing standards-based wireless products to work at their respective highest performance levels for that environment, protecting the customer's investment in existing wireless products. Linksys is also working with wireless chip providers to ensure interoperability and the best performance.
Pricing and Availability
The WAP4400N and WPC440N are available immediately through distribution, value added resellers and direct response for estimated street prices of $169 and $129, respectively. The WRVS440N Wireless-N Router is scheduled to be available in September for an ESP of $229.
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 http://www.linksys.com/.
* Reference to speeds and performance are based on standards and specifications. Actual performance may vary based on environmental considerations and network configurations.
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