Linksys Unleashes Business Series Access Point in Stylish Metal Casing

Dubai, UAE - March 2, 2008 - 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), announced the launch of the Wireless-G Access Point with Power over Ethernet (WAP2000) for business network environments.

The WAP2000 is a Wireless Access Point ideal for businesses that would like to expand their existing wired networks or create new wireless networks for the workforce or to provide internet access to visitors.

It can provide small businesses with a low-cost, feature-rich solution for increased network capabilities and reach. The WAP2000 features the RangeBooster technology, designed to offer improved performance, range and speed. This technology lets businesses effectively double network size and increase performance significantly (1).

Combining RangeBooster technology with the integrated Quality of Service features, 802.11F Roaming and automatic channel selection, enables the deployment of high quality VoIP and video applications on the network.

The Linksys One ready device is outfitted in a sleek metal enclosure only identifiable with the Linksys Business Series of products. The WAP2000 comes with detachable antennas and can be positioned virtually anywhere via standard AC adapter or from a Power-over-Ethernet switch or PoE-injector.

"Small businesses have many choices in the marketplace today, but the common message from our customers is they are looking for 'higher quality and better value products'," said Mohammad Hoda, Regional Manager, Linksys Middle East and Africa. "The Linksys WAP2000 is an elegant, feature-rich solution that can expand an organization's wireless network while offering the peace-of-mind that their investment is backed by the industry's only Linksys to Cisco Trade-up Program."

With the introduction of the WAP2000 Linksys provides business owners the best possible network ecosystem with investment protection of the Linksys to Cisco Trade-up Program. With this program, business owners can assure that their business network will always meet the company's growth, stepping up from Linksys Business Series to Cisco SMB solutions.

Main features:
- Advanced security features including Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA2 Enterprise), Radius Authentication, HTTPS secure control, MAC address filtering and the latest encryption standards

- Includes possibility to create multiple wireless networks (BSSIDs)

- Network can be separated with the integrated support for VLAN's (802.1q).

Pricing and Availability

Available immediately through major distributors, value added resellers. The Linksys Business Series Wireless-G Access Point with Power over Ethernet (WAP2000) has an estimated street price of $169.

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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.

Equivalent RangeBooster technology tested with comparable products resulted in up to twice the range, reduced dead spots and up to 35% more standard than standard 802.11g technology. The maximum performance for wireless is derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual performance can vary, including lower wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range and coverage. Performance depends on many factors, conditions and variables, including distance from the access point, volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, operating system used, mix of wireless products used, interference and other adverse conditions.  

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 © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

© Press Release 2008