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Linksys Makes Wi-Fi(R) Installation as Easy as Pushing a ButtonHANNOVER, Germany, CeBIT, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- - Linksys Demonstrates First Products With SecureEasySetup(TM) to Simplify Wireless LAN Setup and Security Linksys(R), a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., today announced a new technology in Europe, which is expected to revolutionise Wi-Fi(R) installation and stimulate the development and deployment of new classes of wireless products for home networks. The new technology called SecureEasySetup(TM) enables consumers to effortlessly setup their wireless networks and activate (WPA(TM)) Wi-Fi Protected Access(TM) security by simply pushing a button. Linksys is demonstrating these new products at CeBIT and plans to offer the first Wi-Fi products with the new push-button solution later this Spring. SES (SecureEasySetup(TM)) eliminates the existing hurdles to broad adoption of home Wi-Fi products by delivering true ease of use and automated security. The software enables wireless home networks based on best-of-breed devices from multiple vendors, providing new and better consumer experiences for sharing content throughout the home. Traditional wireless LAN installation can be a complicated and time-consuming task, requiring the user to possess the technical know-how to manually enter several settings (such as network name, and encryption key or WPA pass phrase) on each Wi-Fi device. SecureEasySetup(TM) was developed to help simplify installation by automating the processes of configuring new wireless networks and adding devices to existing networks. After a user has pressed the SecureEasySetup(TM) button on their Linksys router and wireless device (or uses access point setup software on their notebook computer), SecureEasySetup(TM) establishes a private connection between the devices and automatically configures the network's SSID (Service Set Identifier) whilst enabling WPA security. "Linksys aims to make the process of setting up and adding devices to a wireless network as simple as possible. A deployment of push-button wireless setup and security can help to simplify and enhance the user experience when setting up and building onto a home network," said Patrick Lelorieux, vice-president of Sales for Linksys in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "By anticipating the needs of our customers and making our Wi-Fi products easier to use, we will enable even more consumers to experience the convenience and freedom of wireless networking." The Easiest Way to Protect Wi-Fi Networks with WPA SecureEasySetup(TM) not only addresses the challenges of network set-up, but also makes it easier than ever to protect a Wi-Fi network from unauthorised use. The SecureEasySetup(TM) push-button eliminates the manual pass phrase entry which was previously required to enable WPA security on each wireless device. Instead, the software automatically establishes the system's WPA pass phrases (also known as keys) whilst it configures a new network and installs those keys on each new device that is authorised to join the network. WPA is a standards-based security feature built into all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) products. Driven by the Wi-Fi Alliance, WPA provides robust encryption and authentication techniques for Wi-Fi networks. WPA is the strongest security feature available on Wi-Fi Certified devices for home wireless LANs, encrypting data and limiting network access to devices with matching passwords. Availability SecureEasySetup(TM) will be featured in Linksys wireless LAN products later this Spring. In addition, the feature is expected to be integrated into future generations of peripheral devices and consumer electronics. Products configured with SecureEasySetup(TM) are interoperable with any recent Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) products, regardless of whether they feature SecureEasySetup(TM). Linksys will be showcasing the new technology at: CeBIT, Hall 13, Cisco booth C58. About Linksys Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq: CSCO) is the global leader in Wireless and Ethernet networking for both consumer and SOHO 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 offers free of charge product support to its customers. For more information, visit the Linksys web site at www.linksys.com/uk/ Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Other brands and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Copyright (C) 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Web site: http://www.linksys.com/uk Linksys Media, Angela Hepburn of Linksys, +33-1-58-04-33-42, [email protected]; or Investor Relations, Ken Bond of Cisco, +1-408-526-6001, [email protected] |