Linksys Easy Link Advisor Helps Consumers Realize the Full Potential of Their Wireless Networks
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LELA Application Provides an Easy Way to Setup, View, Manage, and Repair Your Network While Offering Educational Advice
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 22-- Linksys®, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc., and the recognized leading global manufacturer of voice, wireless, and networking hardware for home, Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) and small business user, today announced it has begun shipping the Linksys Easy Link Advisor (LELA) application on its Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster (WRT54GS).
LELA is a PC-based software application that simplifies the setup and management of wireless networks. Linksys products with LELA simplify wireless network installation, management, and monitoring, while providing recommendations and education to help customers realize the full potential of their network.
"LELA offers consumers unique features that are great differentiators for the Linksys product line," said Mani Dhillon, director of product marketing, Home Networking, Linksys. "As we add even more to the current functionality of LELA, Linksys will continue to set the standard for ease of use in home networking."
Network Setup
When a user runs the installation CD included with a WRT54GS, LELA is automatically installed on that PC and the network installation process begins. There is no need for a separate installation of the network management tool. During installation, the user is asked to name the new network. No additional passwords or confusing networking terms are required after this step has been completed, eliminating up to 15 configuration choices from the installation process.
LELA automatically checks the PC and network for existing conditions that may hinder the installation and resolves any potential conflicts. A series of flash presentations animates each step of the process for the consumer.
For homes with a wireless network already in place, current settings can be transferred into LELA. With a simple click of a mouse, the application will locate and install any devices present on the current configuration to the new network.
Additional new PCs and other wireless devices can be added to a network created with LELA via three methods:
o User download of an executable file from a web site to be run on new PC
o Transfer of an executable file from PC with LELA to be run on new PC
o Display of key wireless settings for manual input into wireless client
interface on new PC or device
Management
When a network is created using LELA, a dynamic network map or Dashboard is created that provides an easy way to quickly view the status of devices on the network. Anytime a new Linksys device is added to the network, LELA will add it to the Dashboard. Technology-savvy users who like to further tailor the settings of devices on their network can access LELA's advanced configuration pages with one simple click.
Monitoring
If a device is not properly connecting to the network, the user can easily view the network map to determine where the problem originates. LELA also includes a network status box that provides real-time alerts regarding the status of the network. This area also offers wizards for troubleshooting and repairing any connectivity issues the user may notice on the network map.
Support
A section within LELA gathers and displays detailed technical information from various configuration pages. When a call to a Linksys technician is required to solve an issue, the user can now easily access the router model, firmware version, and password, along with both the LAN and WAN settings by clicking on the support tab.
Education
Expert advice on optimizing network performance and adding features is available within LELA. Users can learn how to maximize the capabilities of the products present in their networks with such applications as wireless printing, Voice over IP, and streaming digital media.
Pricing and Availability
LELA is a free application that currently ships with the WRT54GS and will soon be included with other Linksys router models. The application is also be available for download at Linksys.com.
About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems Inc., (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the recognized global leader in voice, Wireless and Ethernet networking 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.
Source: Linksys
CONTACT:
Media, Karen Sohl
Tel:949-823-1578
Email: ksohl@cisco.com
Trevor Bratton
Tel: 949-823-1212
Email: trevor.bratton@cisco.com
Analyst Relations
Ben Culp
949-823-3787
beculp@cisco.com
Web site: www.linksys.com/
