As reported by CNET, Cisco announced the availability of its Connect Cloud platform for the company's Linksys EA series routers. The new devices also incorporate an 802.11ac wireless router, while supporting access to the company's Linksys Developer Community for those interested in developing apps for smart Wi-Fi routers.
As noted by Engadget, the new routers boost wireless networking bandwidth up to 802.11ac's 1.3Gbps peak, while incorporating four Gigabit Ethernet jacks. Cisco's new cloud platform for the routers "is designed to handle all the tiresome and complicated technical aspects of home network set-up and connecting devices to the network." As reported by Network World, access to a proprietary mobile app provides access to the company's Connect Cloud site via a smartphone or tablet device. With the app, users can configure or maintain the Wi-Fi router via the mobile device or via the cloud. Previous versions of the mobile app required that users be on the same local network.