Tag Archives: linksys

Linksys WRT 1900AC Router: The Blue and Black is Back

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Today’s Linksys routers and networking devices are usually clad in black and silver. But the company’s most recognizable product wore blue and black: the WRT54G series router. First released in 2002, it was one of the first routers to be compatible with the 802.11g wireless standard and became Linksys’ bestselling product. It even appeared on South Park! Now Linksys has announced the WRT54G’s successor, the WRT 1900AC. Yep, it’s in mom’s colors.

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Not wanting to let down the seven people who were celebrating the WRT54G’s birthdays, Linksys seems to be going all out with the WRT 1900AC. First off, it complies with the new 802.11ac wireless standard, with theoretical maximum throughputs of 1.3Gbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz. As you can see it also has four antennas for better coverage. The antennas are removable in case Linksys releases better versions in the future.

Linksys is also working with the members of the popular OpenWrt software to release an open source firmware for the router when it goes on sale. That means more flexibility for power users. The ports you’d expect out of a high-end router – 4 LAN, 1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB/eSATA – are all here as well.

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If you’re still not convinced that the WRT 1900AC is worthy of its predecessor, wait ’til you hear about its mobile app. That’s right – the router will have a companion app to help you manage your network and even access content if you have an external drive connected to the router. Watch the video while I bring out the party hats and cut the cake:

The WRT 1900AC router should be available this spring for $300 (USD). Celebrating a router’s 11th birthday. If that’s not what my job is then I don’t know what I’m doing.

[Linksys via Wired]

Trendnet N150 Travel Router Makes Set up Easy on the Road

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Trendnet has unveiled a new wireless travel router designed to make it easy to set up a wireless network in the home, office, or a hotel room. The router is called the TEW-714TRU. The router supports...

Engadget Giveaway: win one of five Linksys router bundles!

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Engadget Giveaway win one of five Linksys router bundles!

Didn't win a router bundle last week? Guess what -- you've got another opportunity! Linksys is following up with a fantastic combo of its own: five sets of its Smart WiFi 802.11ac AC1750 router (a $220 value) and Wi-Fi 5GHz Universal Media Connector Bridge (a $160 value). These are some of the best on the market, so we're a bit jealous that we can't enter the contest ourselves. So head to the widget below and grab two free entries, as well as a bonus entry if you head to Mark Zuckerberg's favorite social network to Like Linksys. Best of luck to you all!

Note: Please enter using the widget below, as comments are no longer valid methods of entry. The widget only requires your name and email address so we know how to get in touch with you if you win (your information is not given out to third parties), but you will have an option to receive an additional entry by liking Linksys on Facebook if you so desire.

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Belkin acquires Linksys, plans to continue marketing products under both brands

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Belkin acquires Linksys, plans to continue marketing products under both brands

Linksys and Cisco are no longer one. The enterprise infrastructure giant, which acquired the home networking line in 2003, has officially passed the baton to Belkin. Under the new arrangement, Linksys devices and services, such as routers and Smart WiFi products, will fall under the Belkin umbrella. CEO Chet Pipkin announced plans to maintain both brands, adding that Linksys "will continue to exist and evolve to include even richer user experiences and network management functionality." Going forward, teams from both Linksys and Belkin may work together to create certain products, so we might begin to see new innovations that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Consumers are unlikely to experience any hiccups during the transition -- the Linksys website will remain intact and support services will be available as always. Hit up the press release after the break for a few more details surrounding the acquisition.

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Belkin to Purchase Linksys from Cisco

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Rumors surfaced last year that Cisco was shopping for a buyer to offload the Linksys consumer networking arm it purchased years ago for $500 million. Belkin has announced today that it has signed a...

Belkin to acquire Cisco’s home division, scoop up Linksys in the process

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Belkin to acquire Cisco's home division, scoop up Linksys in the process

Belkin has just struck a deal to acquire Cisco's Home Networking Business Unit, which will bring Linksys' name, products, technology and employees under its new owner's umbrella. Mothballing isn't in the cards for Linksys, however, as Belkin plans to keep the brand alive and even offer support for its existing products. The two networking titans haven't said a peep regarding a sticker price, but they expect the pact to be finalized in March. Once the transaction is rubber stamped, Belkin figures it'll compose roughly 30 percent of the home and small business networking retail market in the US. Hit the jump for the press release.

Show full PR text

BELKIN ANNOUNCES INTENT TO ACQUIRE CISCO'S HOME NETWORKING BUSINESS UNIT

Acquisition to Bolster Belkin's Position in the Home Networking Market, Building on the Strong Linksys Brand and Innovative Suite of Product and Software Solutions

Playa Vista, Calif. - January 24, 2013 - Belkin, a private company based in Playa Vista, Calif., with operations and sales in more than 100 countries, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Cisco's Home Networking Business Unit, including its proven products, technology, well-known Linksys brand and talented employees. With global operations, Linksys' main office is located in Irvine, Calif.

"We're very excited about this announcement," said Chet Pipkin, CEO of Belkin. "Our two organizations share many core beliefs - we have similar beginnings and share a passion for meeting the real needs of our customers through the strengths of an entrepreneurial culture. Belkin's ultimate goal is to be the global leader in the connected home and wireless networking space and this acquisition is an important step to realizing that vision."

Belkin intends to maintain the Linksys brand and will offer support for Linksys products as part of this transaction. All valid warranties will be honored by Belkin for current and future Linksys products. After the transaction closes, Belkin will account for approximately 30 percent of the U.S. retail home and small business networking market.

"Linksys pioneered wireless connectivity capability around the globe, and has a strong brand renowned for its premium market position, the strength of its installed base and its proven dependability. Linksys users benefit from peace of mind in their home networking environment. At Belkin we have developed great insight into consumer needs, and the experiences, solutions and products we bring to the market, including our WeMo home automation platform, will help us to grow Linksys' market presence," Pipkin said.

"Linksys is one of the leading home networking providers and has created a market-leading suite of products and services to meet customer needs," said Hilton Romanski, VP Corporate Business Development, Cisco. "While part of Cisco, Linksys has continuously innovated, while strengthening the brand and expanding its market leadership. As part of Cisco's commitment to service providers, we are pleased about this strategic relationship with Belkin to build on Linksys' position of strength."

"With complementary innovation and engineering strategies in the combined organization, Belkin will be able to create new opportunities for consumers, distribution partners and resellers, and will have the strongest retail presence in the U.S. networking marketplace. Belkin also will have access to a large installed base that will be able to upgrade their networking environment to take advantage of new technologies in the smartphone, tablet, notebook and home automation arenas," Pipkin said. "Additionally, Linksys will enhance Belkin's capabilities to meet the needs of the service provider space and small business users."

Belkin and Cisco intend to develop a strategic relationship on a variety of initiatives including retail distribution, strategic marketing and products for the service provider market. Having access to Cisco's specialized software solutions across all of Belkin's product lines will bring a more seamless user experience for customers. Merging the innovation capabilities of Linksys and Belkin provides a powerful platform from which to develop the next generation of home networking technology.

"At Belkin, we're committed to enabling great experiences for users of today's mobile and connected home technologies," Pipkin said. "The acquisition of Linksys and the combination of Belkin's and Linksys' expertise and innovation will position us to meet the demands of today's rapidly evolving advances in technology. We look forward to honoring the heritage of the Linksys brand and investing in the continuing evolution of its product portfolio. Together, we will provide a powerful, simple to use, and reliable wireless and networking platform for the markets we serve."

Specific financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. The transaction is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to close in March 2013.

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Source: Belkin

Asus WL-330NUL USB Pocket Router Tipped by Expansys

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What may be the most interesting USB Wi-Fi adapter ever has turned up on Expansys for pre-order. This device is from Asus and it's called the WL-330NUL USB Pocket Router. The device gets all the...

Linksys reveals a trio of 802.11ac WiFi routers with beamforming, and a USB adapter to match

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Linksys reveals a trio of 80211ac WiFi routers with beamforming, and a USB adapter to match

Like most of its peers, Cisco's Linksys badge started off modestly in the 802.11ac WiFi world last year, offering just one router and one bridge for early adopters. It's taking the complete plunge in 2013 with three new routers and a USB adapter. The AC 1200 (EA6300), AC 1600 (EA6400) and AC 1750 (EA6700) routers all introduce beamforming, which optimizes the signal path and theoretically doubles the real-world speeds versus many past routers. The trio likewise carries gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 to maximize the speed for wired and shared devices, although you'll need to upgrade to higher-end models to enjoy brisker wireless speeds. The AC 1200 tops out at 867Mbps on 5GHz airspace, while springing for the AC 1600 or AC 1750 supplies the 802.11ac spec's full 1.3Gbps capacity; Linksys' lone USB adapter, the AC 580, tops out at a relatively pokey 433Mbps.

A few software tricks are also up the company's sleeve with the new routers. It's possible to set up any of them with a phone or tablet, in addition to a tap of an NFC-based card that's now included in the box. Life gets easier once everything's up and running, too -- a new visual network map provides a better sense of just where any bandwidth bottlenecks might be. Linksys hasn't given pricing for any of the upgraded WiFi devices, although it's just as well when they won't ship until the spring.

Continue reading Linksys reveals a trio of 802.11ac WiFi routers with beamforming, and a USB adapter to match

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Source: Linksys

Bloomberg: Cisco Systems preparing to sell Linksys, hires Barclays to handle sale

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Bloomberg: Cisco Systems preparing to sell Linksys, hires Barclays handle sale

Cisco's hardware offerings are about to narrow slightly, according to Bloomberg -- the company has asked Barclays to help it get rid of its Linksys unit. The move is part of Cisco's ongoing effort to minimize its consumer businesses, the same strategy that dissolved its Flip Video division last year. The usual "people with knowledge of the situation" suggested that the company may be courting TV manufacturers, noting that the brand is likely to sell for significantly less than the $500 million Cisco paid in 2003. Both Cisco and Barclays declined to comment on the sale. We understand -- after the Connect Cloud debacle, we wouldn't want to talk either.


[Thanks, Tom]

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Source: Bloomberg

Deal Of The Day: $77 Off On Linksys App-Enabled Wireless N600 Router

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A router by itself isn’t the most exciting piece of technology. It’s utilitarian. But when it’s the odd one out in a column devoted mostly to laptops and desktops, it’s a welcome change. And Linksys’ N600 app-enabled router isn’t that boring to start with. It’s got simultaneous 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz band support, as well as 4 Gigabit ports at the back. And the “app-enabled” part means it’s ready to connect to the cloud and back your files up. Normally selling for $119, it’s a ridiculous $42 now after a $77 rebate.

[ $77 Off On Linksys App-Enabled Wireless N600 Router ] VIA [ LogicBuy ]