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Intel and Linksys Further Improve the Wireless Networking Experience for Home and Small Business Users

Posted on: Thursday, 26 August 2004, 06:00 CDT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Intel Corporation and Linksys(R), a division of Cisco Systems, Inc., today announced new software technology that helps reduce the complexities of setting up, securing, and operating a wireless network. This new software technology, called Intel(R) Smart Wireless Solutions, is the next advancement in a joint technology and marketing relationship that was announced last summer by Intel and Linksys in an effort to broaden innovative wireless offerings, while improving the user experience for home and small office users.

Intel Smart Wireless Solutions is being delivered in conjunction with Intel's new Wi-Fi client software, Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless version 9.0, also announced today, and will work with new Intel(R) Centrino(TM) mobile technology notebooks and select Linksys wireless routers and access points.

"Intel Smart Wireless Solutions will help eliminate many steps that can seem complex to customers setting up a wireless home network," said Charlie Giancarlo, president of Cisco-Linksys. "These include typing in passwords on both the router and PC, setting up SSID names, and enabling security settings. By working with Intel to enhance Linksys wireless access points and routers with simple connect and configuration tools, we've been able to simplify the process of setting up and using wireless networks for home users."

"Intel has been working closely with Linksys to improve the user experience with wireless networking," said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel vice president and co-general manager of the Mobile Platforms Group. "With Intel PROSet/Wireless software version 9 and a Linksys enabled wireless router, even novice users can comfortably establish a secure wireless network in their home or small office."

Intel and Linksys said last year, "We are committed to work on new ways to maximize wireless performance and enhance wireless connectivity as part of the program. This includes plans to develop technology that will allow notebook PCs based on Intel Centrino Mobile technology to detect the presence of Linksys wireless products and configure them with minimal effort by the end user." Intel and Linksys have worked to follow through on this commitment by offering Intel Smart Wireless Solutions which offers a suite of software features which simplifies setup and operation of a network with state of the art Wi-Fi security. These software features include:

* Wireless Network Configuration Wizard -- simplifies configuring

through three simple steps. The application prompts users through the

3-step setup process which simultaneously configures both a wireless

router/AP and the Intel Centrino mobile technology notebook computer.

The wizard automatically pops up on a notebook computer when the Intel

PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi client software senses a new and unconfigured

Linksys wireless router*. There is nothing to install or run -- it

runs users through the steps automatically.

* Wireless Troubleshooter is a feature of the Intel PROSet/Wireless

Wi-Fi client software which performs analysis of Wi-Fi network

operation and helps identify connectivity problems and suggest

remedies.

* Security Assistant is a feature of the Intel PROSet/Wireless Wi-Fi

client software which automatically scans the Wi-Fi network for

required security settings and only displays input fields which the

user must enter to connect to that particular network.

Intel Smart Wireless Solutions is available with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG and 2200BG Network Connections and will be supported on a variety of Intel Centrino mobile technology notebooks available in the fourth quarter of 2004. The Wireless Network Configuration Wizard will be supported this fall on the Linksys Wireless-G VPN router (WRV54G) and Wireless-G Router (WRT54G V2.1). Linksys plans to incorporate Intel Smart Wireless Solutions into other new or updated versions of its wireless routers and access points.

"Decreasing the complexity of wireless networking is a critical element of mobility for our customers," said Ramona Thibeault, vice president of Notebook Marketing, Personal Systems Group - Americas, HP. "HP applauds Intel and Linksys for a combined effort to make wireless networks secure and easy to set up. Our goal is to incorporate this solution into our products in order to simplify technology so customers can focus on their business."

About Linksys

Founded in 1988, Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems Inc. is the global leader in Wireless and Ethernet networking for 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 provides 24/7 Grade "A" product support to all its customers. For more information, visit the Linksys Web site at http://www.linksys.com/.

About Intel

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom.

Intel and Centrino are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Linksys is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Note: Important Information: Wireless connectivity and some features may require you to purchase additional software, services or external hardware. Availability of public wireless LAN access points is limited. System performance, battery life, wireless performance and functionality will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. Visit http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/more_info for more information.

Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless software may not be supported by your PC's operating system and/or by your PC manufacturer. Check with your PC manufacturer for details on availability.

* The Wireless Network Configuration Wizard only works with new unconfigured wireless routers including WRT54G v2.1 and WRV54G.

Intel Corporation; Linksys

CONTACT: Amy Martin of Intel Corporation, +1-408-653-6622,amy.martin@intel.com; or Karen Sohl of Linksys, +1-949-823-1578,ksohl@cisco.com

Web site: http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/more_info

Web site: http://www.intel.com/pressroom

Web site: http://www.linksys.com/

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