PR releases

Linksys debuts wireless travel router

London, United Kingdom – 8 December 2005 – Linksys®, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc., the recognised leading provider of voice, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer, SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) and small business markets, today announced the availability of the Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster (WTR54GS) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This new high-speed, mobile router provides individuals or business travelers the ability to easily set up a multiple user wireless network in a hotel room or through a hotspot, such as in an airport or café.

The travel-friendly form factor includes a built-in power supply and wireless signal antenna as well as a WAN port for connection to a Cable or DSL connection and an Ethernet port for connecting an additional wired device or computer.  Users simply plug the router directly into the wall with the complementary power cable and establish either a wired or wireless connection to the Internet access offered by the hotel or other venue.

A unique feature, currently found only in the Linksys WTR54GS, allows multiple computers to share a single wireless Internet access account.  Where permitted by the Internet access provider’s Terms of Use, this capability is ideal for those users with a subscription to a wireless internet service who would like to simultaneously share their account access with colleagues or friends at locations such as hotels, airports or coffee shops.

Wireless notebook adapters equipped with the new SecureEasySetup™ (SES) technology, such as the Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G PC Card, are designed to easily connect to a WTR54GS-established network at the push of a button. SES is a push-button solution for Wi-Fi setup that helps simplify the configuration and setup of WPA security, allowing even first-time users to setup and activate security features on a wireless network with the push of a button. Whereas a typical installation requires a user to manually configure several settings on each wireless device, SES simply requires that a user push a button on the router, and a corresponding soft-button on the PC or other client device. This automates the connection process and activates WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), a security standard aimed at protecting home and small business wireless networks from unauthorised use.

 The DHCP server capability, SPI firewall and support for VPN pass-through available with the WTR54GS bring additional assurance to travelers conducting particularly sensitive business. Even PCs without wireless capabilities can join the network by simply plugging into the included Ethernet port.

“Business trips can be stressful enough without having to be tied to a desk for access to a broadband connection,” said Robert Auci, director of sales for Linksys in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “The WTR54GS allows individuals or teams to work wherever they are most comfortable and productive, while knowing that Linksys’ security features can easily be activated offering improved protection of their wireless transmissions.” 

The Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster provides users with a number of features and benefits:

Backward compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b (2.4GHz) standards

Higher security with Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA/WPA2 Personal)

125mbps SpeedBooster technology increases wireless performance by up to 35%[1] over standard 802.11g (wireless-g)

Supports universal bridging for sharing a single high-speed wireless internet connection found at locations such as hotels, airports or coffee shops 

Compact travel size router with carrying case,  built-in antenna and power adapter

Shares a wired or wireless Internet connection with Speedbooster, wireless -G and -B devices and an Ethernet wired PC

Supports SecureEasySetup™

Pricing and Availability

The Linksys Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster (WTR54GS) is immediately available via the Linksys distribution and partner network. The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price is 79.99 GBP.

About Linksys

Founded in 1988, Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the recognized global leader in Wireless, VoIP 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/uk .